42 Points in 33 Minutes! Why Did China’s Basketball Team Snub the Top Swingman?

Qi Lin, the rising star of Chinese basketball, has recently found himself at the center of a puzzling controversy. Despite his impressive performance in the last CBA season, where he averaged 17.9 points per game and shot 41.3% from beyond the arc, Qi Lin has been left off the national team training roster not once, but twice this summer by China’s new head coach, Guo Shiqiang. This exclusion is all the more baffling given Qi Lin’s potential and track record, making fans and analysts alike question the decision.

Qi Lin’s Stellar Season and Unique Skill Set

Last season, Qi Lin showcased why he is considered one of the best swingmen in China today. Standing nearly 2 meters tall with explosive athleticism, Qi Lin’s ability to shoot the ball with precision, especially from three-point range, is unmatched among his peers. His defensive awareness and willingness to commit on both ends of the floor make him a versatile asset who can thrive in any system.

One standout performance from last season saw Qi Lin drop 33 points in 42 minutes, sinking eight three-pointers in the process. It’s these kinds of performances that should have solidified his spot on the national team. Yet, despite his evident talent and contributions, Qi Lin has been overlooked for the latest training camps under Guo Shiqiang’s tenure.

Past Endorsements from Other Coaches

It’s important to note that Guo Shiqiang isn’t the first coach to helm the Chinese national team in recent years. In early 2023, when the team was still under the guidance of coach Jorģe Djordjević, Qi Lin was called up to the roster preparing for the Asian Qualifiers. Unfortunately, an injury flare-up forced Qi Lin to withdraw from the squad.

Even before Djordjević, Qi Lin caught the eye of then-head coach Du Feng, who also saw his potential and summoned him for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup. Yet again, injuries derailed Qi Lin’s chances to shine on the international stage. These instances underscore that Qi Lin’s talent has been recognized by some of the top basketball minds in China—making his current exclusion even more perplexing.

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Qi Lin

Qi Lin’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its setbacks. After bursting onto the scene in 2019 and averaging 14.1 points in his sophomore year, he was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents of his generation, even more so than his contemporary, Zhang Zhenlin. Qi Lin’s potential was so high that many speculated about his prospects in the NBA.

However, the 2022-2023 season was a challenging period for Qi Lin. His form dipped dramatically, with his scoring average dropping to 11 points per game on sub-40% shooting. Worse, his physical conditioning appeared to deteriorate, leading to widespread criticism and concerns that he was squandering his natural gifts.

But rather than succumb to the narrative of wasted potential, Qi Lin took matters into his own hands. He spent the 2023 offseason in the United States undergoing intensive training to reclaim his form. The results were immediate and impressive—Qi Lin returned to China with a renewed focus and energy, putting up the best numbers of his career and reestablishing himself as one of the league’s top players.

The Enigma of Guo Shiqiang’s Decision

Given Qi Lin’s recent performances, many expected him to be a lock for the national team under Guo Shiqiang. However, Guo’s decision to exclude Qi Lin from the training camps has raised eyebrows. Unlike his predecessors, Guo has shown little interest in bringing Qi Lin into the fold, despite his obvious qualifications.

This decision is all the more puzzling when considering Qi Lin’s age—at just 24, he is in the prime of his career and perfectly aligns with the Chinese national team’s need for immediate contributors who can also be part of the team’s future core. Guo Shiqiang’s preference for other players has led to speculation about his coaching philosophy and what he values in a player.

The Fan Reaction and Broader Implications

Unsurprisingly, Qi Lin’s exclusion has sparked debate among fans and commentators. Many have taken to social media and other platforms to voice their frustration and confusion, arguing that Qi Lin’s skill set and recent performances make him indispensable to the national team.

Some suggest that Guo Shiqiang might favor players with different attributes or that he has specific tactical reasons for his choices. Others speculate that personal dynamics or unseen factors could be at play. Regardless of the reasons, the decision to leave out a player of Qi Lin’s caliber has broader implications for the direction of Chinese basketball. If a young, talented, and hardworking player like Qi Lin can’t find a place on the national team, what does that say about the team’s selection criteria?

What’s Next for Qi Lin?

For now, Qi Lin remains on the outside looking in, but his journey is far from over. The coming season will be another opportunity for him to prove his worth and perhaps force Guo Shiqiang to reconsider his stance. Qi Lin’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of never giving up, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

As the Chinese basketball community continues to debate and discuss this situation, one thing is clear: Qi Lin has the talent and determination to be a key player for China. Whether or not he gets that chance under the current regime remains to be seen. But if his past is any indication, Qi Lin will keep working hard, waiting for his moment to shine on the international stage.