Confirmed! Hu Mingxuan Emerges as China’s Top Basketball Leader with 30 Points and 12 Assists

The second window of the FIBA Asia Qualifiers is approaching, and Hu Mingxuan will continue to serve as the captain of the Chinese men's basketball team. This summer, during the team’s second training camp, Hu replaced Zhao Jiwei as team captain, a decision that raised eyebrows at the time. However, Hu silenced skeptics with his performances in two games against Spanish powerhouse Joventut Badalona, where he combined for 30 points and 12 assists, including a buzzer-beater in the second match. Hu demonstrated that he is fully capable of shouldering this critical role.

Hu’s excellence extends beyond the national team. As captain of the Guangdong Southern Tigers this season, he is enjoying the best campaign of his career. Averaging 31.3 minutes per game, Hu is putting up 17.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 41.2% from beyond the arc and hitting three three-pointers per game. His standout performances include a career-high 40-point, 9-assist explosion earlier this season. Many of his stats have reached career highs, solidifying his position as one of the league's elite guards.

As China prepares to face Guam and Mongolia in the second phase of the qualifiers, Hu will be a crucial piece of the puzzle. Despite their weaker reputation, both opponents could pose challenges for a Chinese backcourt plagued by injuries and thin depth. With few reliable options at guard, the team will heavily depend on Hu’s leadership and production.

The shortage of backcourt players raises questions about selection decisions. While some players, such as Sun Minghui and Lin Wei, were not called up due to differing preferences from head coach Guo Shiqiang, their recent strong performances could have justified their inclusion. Sun is known for his creativity and energy, while Lin is a promising sharpshooter. Both players might offer more upside than current roster options like Gao Shiyan, Wang Lanjun, or Cheng Shuai Peng.

Besides Hu, the qualifiers also provide a platform for two new faces: Zhang Ning and Zeng Fanbo. Zhang has been an efficient scorer in the CBA this season, averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Zeng, known for his defensive prowess and shot-blocking ability, contributes 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks in just 18.2 minutes per game. Both players will be making their national team debuts under Guo's coaching and are expected to play critical roles in these games.

The CBA continues to be a significant contributor to international basketball talent. For the upcoming FIBA window, the league will send a total of 24 players to represent various national teams. Seventeen will play for China, while others will represent Chinese Taipei (Chen Yingjun, Liu Zheng, Lin Tingqian, and Lin Bingsheng), South Sudan (Omot Omo), the Czech Republic (Kyzlink), and Canada (Nate Mitchell, who serves as a coach for Guangzhou). This impressive export of talent underlines the CBA’s growing influence on the international stage.

However, as the CBA aids other nations’ basketball programs, it must also focus on elevating China’s own national team. The current struggles of Chinese basketball—exemplified by disappointing international results in recent years—highlight the need for more synergy between the domestic league and the national team. This collaboration is vital for developing future stars and pulling the team out of its current low point.

For now, all eyes are on Hu Mingxuan. The 25-year-old has proven himself capable of leading both his club and country. Whether as a scorer, playmaker, or leader, Hu’s rapid rise has made him the heart and soul of the Chinese national team. In a time of uncertainty and transition, he stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter future for Chinese basketball.