Explosive News! Zhao Weiren Joins Liaoning Team to Compete in the 2025 National Games

In a development that has electrified Chinese basketball circles, Zhao Weiren, often touted as the future of China's backcourt, will reportedly join the Liaoning team to compete in the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao National Games. This news, first revealed by a domestic sports journalist, has sparked widespread excitement and discussion.

Zhao Weiren’s Rising Star in OTE League

Born in 2005, Zhao Weiren is currently showcasing his talents in the U.S.-based Overtime Elite (OTE) league, where he plays for the Cold Hearts team. Zhao has displayed a well-rounded game, excelling in both scoring and playmaking. His standout performance came when he recorded 20 points and 12 assists to lead his team to their first victory of the season. Such performances have solidified his reputation as a promising young talent.

Zhao’s international experience further underscores his potential. He represented China in the U19 FIBA World Cup last year, averaging 9.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Notably, in a match against Canada, Zhao erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 points in a remarkable display of offensive firepower.

Challenges with the National Team

Zhao’s journey with the Chinese national basketball team has been less straightforward. This past summer, he participated in a short training camp under former head coach Sasha Djordjevic and was later included in the first training camp led by current head coach Guo Shiqiang. However, Zhao only appeared in one internal scrimmage against the Macau Black Bears before leaving the team due to personal issues. Since then, he has not donned the national team jersey, leaving fans to wonder about his future with the squad.

Zhao’s Teammate Tan Houran Also Joins Liaoning

Another 2005-born player, Tan Houran, Zhao’s teammate from the U19 World Cup, is also expected to represent Liaoning in the 2025 National Games. Tan, currently playing for Seattle University in the NCAA, has been making steady progress, earning a spot in the team’s starting lineup. In his first career start, Tan impressed with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks, showcasing his strong physicality and fearless approach to the game.

During the U19 World Cup, Tan averaged 4.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His skill set and emerging confidence have marked him as another key prospect in Chinese basketball. Notably, Tan has already signed with the Shanxi team in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), further cementing his professional future.

The Unique Structure of the National Games

It’s important to clarify that Zhao Weiren and Tan Houran are joining Liaoning solely for the National Games, which is distinct from the CBA. The National Games allow teams to recruit players on short-term contracts, often offering lucrative deals to secure top talent. For instance, Zhou Qi, who currently plays for the Beijing team and has previously won two National Games gold medals with Liaoning, has reportedly accepted a 6-million-yuan offer to represent Sichuan in the upcoming Games.

This structure highlights the National Games' unique appeal, which, in some ways, exceeds the financial incentives of the CBA. The competition’s professional-like environment enables teams to recruit top-tier players for short stints, further elevating the stakes. Liaoning, having secured consecutive gold medals in the last two editions, is undoubtedly aiming for a historic three-peat and is leveraging its financial resources to assemble a formidable squad.

Liaoning’s Strategy for Dominance

Zhao Weiren and Tan Houran’s addition to the Liaoning roster reflects the team’s commitment to excellence. Zhao’s dynamic scoring and playmaking, combined with Tan’s interior presence and defensive prowess, make them valuable assets for Liaoning’s title defense. The team’s ambition likely stems from their desire to maintain their dominance and solidify their legacy in the National Games.

While Zhao and Tan’s decisions to join Liaoning may be influenced by financial incentives, their involvement also speaks to the team’s strategic recruitment efforts. Liaoning’s ability to attract such high-caliber players underscores their commitment to staying at the top of Chinese basketball.

A Look Ahead

As the 2025 National Games approach, Liaoning’s roster is expected to see even more significant reinforcements. The team’s pursuit of a third consecutive gold medal is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines in Chinese basketball. Fans eagerly anticipate how Zhao Weiren and Tan Houran will contribute to this campaign and whether their performances will serve as a springboard for their respective careers.

With Zhao’s dynamic style of play and Tan’s growing reputation as a reliable big man, the duo’s participation in the National Games will undoubtedly be a spectacle for basketball enthusiasts. The stage is set for an exhilarating competition, and Liaoning appears poised to make history once again.