44 Shots, 54 Points: From Double Achilles Tears to CBA Stardom

In an electrifying clash between Sichuan and Zhejiang, the former fell short 125-132 despite a historic performance by Sichuan’s star guard, Edmond Sumner. Sumner, known as one of the top foreign imports in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), showcased his offensive brilliance by pouring in 54 points, along with 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. His monumental effort accounted for nearly half of Sichuan’s total field-goal attempts in the game, as he shot 17-of-44 from the field, 3-of-14 from beyond the arc, and an astounding 17-of-23 from the free-throw line.

A Dominant Scorer in the CBA

Sumner’s performance didn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has followed his journey this season. The 28-year-old guard has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 35.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.4 steals per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. He is currently the league’s second-leading scorer, trailing only Jilin’s Dominique Jones, who averages 35.6 points per game.

Sumner’s scoring explosion highlights his ability to carry the offensive load for Sichuan, a team that has struggled historically. His relentless scoring and playmaking have elevated the team from a bottom-dweller last season to a more competitive squad. Sichuan’s current 5-14 record may not seem impressive, but it’s a significant improvement over their dismal 4-48 record from the previous season.

The Road to Becoming CBA’s Top Guard

Sumner’s basketball journey has been one of resilience and determination. Standing at 6'4", the guard was selected with the 52nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. He spent time with both the Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, averaging 6.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14 minutes per game over his NBA career.

However, Sumner’s promising NBA career was derailed by a series of devastating injuries. In 2019, he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during a practice with the Pacers. Just two years later, while preparing for the 2021 season, he endured another Achilles rupture. These injuries effectively ended his time in the NBA, as many teams deemed him too risky to invest in.

But Sumner refused to let injuries define his career. He embarked on a journey of recovery and reinvention, ultimately landing in the CBA, where he has become a force to be reckoned with. His resurgence is a testament to his work ethic and mental toughness, proving that setbacks—even catastrophic ones—don’t have to signal the end of a professional athlete’s career.

Sumner’s Impact on Sichuan

Sichuan’s reliance on Sumner is evident in the numbers. Against Zhejiang, Sumner took 44 of the team’s 89 total shots, underscoring how heavily they lean on his scoring ability. While such a high usage rate might raise questions about team balance, it’s hard to argue against Sumner’s results.

Players like Sumner not only fill the box score but also inspire their teammates with their competitiveness and resilience. His presence has been a beacon of hope for a Sichuan team that has long struggled in the CBA standings. The franchise’s improvement this season is largely attributable to Sumner’s all-around impact, as his ability to score in bunches and create opportunities for others has given the team a fighting chance in many games.

Future Challenges: Retaining Sumner

With performances like these, it’s no surprise that other CBA teams—and potentially international clubs—are eyeing Sumner for their rosters. Sichuan holds the priority to renew his contract, but given Sumner’s dominance, it’s likely they’ll face stiff competition in retaining him.

To fend off rival suitors, Sichuan must be proactive. Offering a lucrative long-term deal and building a roster capable of competing for a championship could be key to convincing Sumner to stay. His market value is only set to rise, and the team would do well to secure his services before other franchises make their move.

A Lesson in Resilience

Sumner’s story is not just about basketball—it’s about overcoming adversity. His recovery from two Achilles tears is a rare feat in professional sports, as such injuries often end careers. Yet, Sumner not only returned to the court but reinvented himself as a dominant player in one of the most competitive leagues outside the NBA.

His journey serves as an inspiration, not just to his Sichuan teammates but to athletes worldwide. Sumner’s perseverance is a reminder that setbacks are temporary and that the right mindset and determination can lead to new opportunities.

For Sichuan, Edmond Sumner represents more than just a basketball player—he embodies hope, resilience, and the power of reinvention. Whether he remains with the team or moves on to new opportunities, his impact on the franchise and the league is undeniable.