18-Man Roster Announced! Farewell, Lin Wei – China's First Shooting Guard Shelved Once Again

The Chinese men's national basketball team recently announced its 18-man training roster for the second window of the Asian Qualifiers, with training set from November 4 to November 20. This selection is part of the Chinese team’s preparation for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. In an interesting twist, the list features some familiar faces, a few emerging stars, and the notable absence of Lin Wei, one of China's top-performing shooting guards this season.

18 Players Called to Action: Roster Overview

The 18-player roster comprises representatives from various Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams, showing a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talents. Here’s the full list of players selected:

• Liaoning: Wang Lanchi, Fu Hao
• Guangdong: Xu Jie, Hu Mingxuan, Du Runwang
• Zhejiang: Yu Jiahao, Lu Wenbo, Cheng Shuai Peng
• Zhejiang Guangsha: Hu Jinqiu, Zhu Junlong
• Shanghai: Liu Lijia
• Qingdao: Yang Hansheng
• Beijing Control: Liao Saning, Zou Yuchen
• Guangzhou: Jiao Boqiao
• Beijing: Zeng Fanbo
• Shanxi: Zhang Ning
• Shandong: Gao Shiyan

The roster has some interesting highlights. For instance, Gao Shiyan's inclusion is unsurprising, given his strong performances and clear admiration from Coach Guo Shiqiang. Gao’s current season stats include an average of 15.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per game, along with a three-point shooting rate of 41.9%, averaging 2.3 threes per game. One memorable highlight this season was his record-breaking 43-point game, which set a new scoring high for Chinese domestic players.

Another significant name on this list is Zhang Ning. Previously a prominent figure in 3x3 basketball, Zhang’s inclusion marks his debut for the 5x5 national team after four seasons in the CBA. Zhang is currently averaging 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 50% from the field. His strong start this season earned him a call-up to the full-court national squad, bringing fresh energy and skill to the team's perimeter play.

Preparing for the FIBA Asia Cup with a Full Force

Despite facing relatively weaker opponents, Guam and Mongolia, in the upcoming qualifiers, China’s choice to bring in many core players highlights their intent to use these games to build team chemistry for future tougher matches. With the looming challenge of Japan’s strengthened roster next year, China’s coaching staff is keen to ensure all healthy, key players participate in these matches. This approach aims to develop a cohesive and prepared team ready for higher-stakes competitions.

Zeng Fanbo stands out as one of the most highly anticipated players on this roster. Zeng’s early career with the national team was disrupted by injuries, limiting his exposure and experience in FIBA competition. Although he’s been carefully managed this season with limited playing time, his numbers remain impressive, averaging 10.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.7 blocks in just 17.3 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency also stands out, with field goal and three-point percentages of 60.5% and 47.6%, respectively. If Zeng secures Coach Guo’s trust during training, he could potentially move up to a starting role, possibly replacing Du Runwang in the power forward slot. With his athleticism and shooting touch, Zeng could provide a critical boost to China’s offense and defense.

Notable Omissions: Lin Wei and Guo Haowen

Perhaps the most glaring exclusion is Lin Wei, currently one of China’s top-scoring guards, and Guo Haowen, another high-scoring backcourt player. Lin has been particularly prolific this season, averaging 19.6 points per game, while Guo has maintained an impressive 20.1 points per game. Many fans and analysts expected at least one of them to be called up, given their talent and production. Lin Wei, known for his scoring prowess and efficient shooting, could have added a valuable scoring option to the national team’s perimeter rotation. Yet, his absence is likely due to lingering issues between him and Coach Guo, possibly stemming from past disagreements.

Lin’s supporters argue that his exclusion is a significant missed opportunity, as he’s regarded by some as the “future of Chinese shooting guards.” His unique scoring ability and consistency have made him a rising star in the CBA, sparking calls for his inclusion in the national team. However, it seems that the rift with Coach Guo may continue to keep him sidelined from representing China, at least for the duration of Guo’s tenure as head coach.

Guo Haowen’s omission is also noteworthy. A strong guard with an ability to score in bunches, Guo has been one of the CBA’s top domestic scorers, but Coach Guo’s decision suggests a preference for players who bring a different skill set. The exclusion of these two talents signals a shift toward players who may better fit the team’s strategic direction under Coach Guo’s leadership.

Development Focus: Building Team Cohesion and Role Definition

This 18-man roster appears to be selected with an eye toward enhancing team dynamics and balance. By choosing players who have previously shown synergy and a capacity for teamwork, Coach Guo Shiqiang is likely aiming to establish a solid foundation for future games. This approach also allows him to mold a team that can play consistently across various competitions, focusing on complementary roles and responsibilities on the court.

The selected roster highlights China’s intent to foster players who bring more than individual scoring capabilities. By emphasizing defensive versatility and basketball IQ, Coach Guo hopes to build a team that can adapt to different styles of play and handle high-pressure games, particularly against teams with diverse playing styles, like Japan. The choice to exclude high-scoring guards like Lin and Guo further suggests that the team is prioritizing tactical cohesion over raw scoring potential.

Zhang Ning’s Debut in the National 5x5 Team

Zhang Ning’s journey to the 5x5 national team serves as an inspirational story of perseverance and adaptability. Known initially for his skills in 3x3 basketball, Zhang transitioned to the CBA’s full-court play and has steadily grown into a reliable player. His stats this season underscore his scoring efficiency and impact, averaging 16.9 points on 50% shooting, with additional contributions in rebounds, assists, and steals. Zhang’s well-rounded game and experience in both full-court and half-court play make him a versatile addition, providing the team with an adaptable asset on both ends of the floor.

Many fans see Zhang’s inclusion as a positive step, marking a new chapter in his career and offering him a chance to showcase his talents on a larger stage. His success this season reflects his determination and ability to evolve within the CBA, an adaptability that should serve him well in international play.

Eyes on the Future: Can This Roster Lead to Success?

With the second window of the Asia Cup qualifiers fast approaching, China’s roster choices reflect a thoughtful approach to team building. By incorporating a mix of seasoned players, emerging talents, and versatile contributors, Coach Guo Shiqiang is shaping a team with depth and adaptability. This window provides an opportunity to build on existing chemistry and develop new synergies, giving the team a strategic edge heading into next year’s challenges.

For fans and analysts, the biggest question remains whether this roster can deliver on its potential. As China gears up to face formidable opponents, the selected players will need to step up and demonstrate their readiness for higher-stakes games. The spotlight will be on talents like Zeng Fanbo and Zhang Ning, as well as established players like Gao Shiyan, to provide leadership, versatility, and resilience on the court.

While some, particularly Lin Wei’s fans, may question certain omissions, this roster showcases a calculated strategy for China’s future in international basketball. The coming weeks will reveal how well this squad can gel, perform under pressure, and ultimately carry forward China’s ambitions on the global stage.