He's Finally Back! Guo Ailun's Debut Showdown Against Liaoning – China’s Basketball Star Returns to the Spotlight

Guo Ailun, widely regarded as the biggest star in Chinese basketball today, is ready to make his highly anticipated return to the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association). After passing his physical and performance assessments with flying colors, Guo has secured his place for the upcoming season. His comeback will be highlighted by a dramatic first game on October 18, where his new team, Guangzhou Loong Lions, will face none other than his old squad, the Liaoning Flying Leopards. This matchup holds special significance, marking Guo’s first official game for his new team, but also pitting him against the franchise he spent 14 seasons with. Fans across the country are eagerly awaiting this “must-watch” showdown.

Guo Ailun’s Assessment Results and Return

Guo Ailun recently completed his mandatory fitness tests, and his results were impressive: he benched 12 reps, squatted 23 reps, and shot 18 out of 23 baskets. His four-round sprint times were 59.27 seconds, 60.08 seconds, 62.38 seconds, and 61.87 seconds, totaling 463 points, comfortably surpassing the 400-point requirement. With this, Guo has officially passed the CBA’s fitness requirements and will be cleared to compete this season.

For Guo, this accomplishment signifies much more than just passing a physical exam. It symbolizes his readiness to lead Guangzhou and prove his worth to his new team. Last season, Guo played just three regular-season games, averaging 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4 assists in 19 minutes per game. His early injury issues and lack of playing time left many fans questioning whether his best days were behind him. However, his successful completion of the fitness tests, along with his reputation as one of the most skilled guards in CBA history, have reignited hopes for a strong season ahead.

From Liaoning to Guangzhou: A New Chapter

For 14 seasons, Guo Ailun was synonymous with the Liaoning Flying Leopards. He was a key player during the team's golden era, helping Liaoning win four CBA championships and earning 10 All-Star selections along the way. His contributions to the franchise cannot be overstated, as he brought elite scoring, ball handling, and playmaking to the squad, consistently ranking among the top guards in the league.

Yet, despite his stellar performances and dedication to the team, Guo’s dream of spending his entire career with one franchise came to an abrupt end. This summer, he made the difficult decision to part ways with Liaoning and sign with Guangzhou. At just 30 years old, Guo is still in the prime of his career, but his move signals the beginning of a new chapter, not only for him but for both teams involved.

Guangzhou, currently in a rebuilding phase, desperately needed a star to rejuvenate the team and the local fanbase. Guo’s arrival will undoubtedly boost their on-court performance and attract a wave of attention, both from the media and fans across China. The team struggled in their season opener, falling 109-80 to the Qingdao Eagles, but with Guo back in the lineup, the Loong Lions' outlook is much brighter. His leadership and skillset will be essential in helping the team compete in a highly competitive league.

That being said, even with Guo Ailun on the roster, Guangzhou remains an underdog against the reigning champions, Liaoning. The Flying Leopards are coming off a three-peat and have shown no signs of slowing down. Their first two games of the season were dominant victories — a 123-112 win against the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and a 116-76 blowout over the Fujian Sturgeons. Even more impressively, they’ve done this without their star forward, Zhang Zhenlin, who has yet to make his return.

The Storylines Surrounding Guo’s Debut

While Guo Ailun’s return to the court is an exciting event for any CBA fan, the context of his first game against Liaoning adds even more intrigue. The narrative is rich with emotion and drama: Guo’s desire to prove himself, facing the team that he helped elevate to greatness, and going head-to-head with his former teammates. There is more to this matchup than just basketball — it’s personal.

For Guo, this game is an opportunity to show that he is still one of the league’s elite point guards. Signing a two-year max contract with Guangzhou, the team has made it clear that they are fully invested in Guo’s abilities and believe he can be the centerpiece of their revival. Now it’s up to Guo to justify their confidence. While his performances last season may have been hampered by injury, he is determined to prove that he can still dominate on both ends of the floor.

Liaoning, on the other hand, has moved on quickly since Guo’s departure. The team has continued to perform at a high level, benefiting from the arrival of Wang Lanchun, who was part of the trade that sent Guo to Guangzhou. Wang’s performance has already been a revelation for Liaoning, particularly in their game against Fujian, where he posted 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal in 30 minutes off the bench. His addition has strengthened the team’s depth and given them a dynamic new option in their rotation. As Guo lines up against his former team, Wang Lanchun will be one of his primary matchups, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the contest.

Another key matchup will see Guo Ailun face off against his former backcourt partner, Zhao Jiwei. Together, Guo and Zhao formed one of the most formidable guard tandems in the CBA, leading Liaoning to numerous deep playoff runs and championships. Now, they will be on opposite sides, competing against one another. This showdown between two of the league’s best guards is sure to captivate fans, especially considering the history they share.

The Impact of Guo’s Return

Guo Ailun is more than just a talented basketball player; he’s a cultural icon in China. His popularity transcends the court, making him the undisputed "traffic king" of Chinese basketball. His social media presence and marketability have made him a household name, and his return to action is expected to drive significant interest in the CBA.

For Guangzhou, Guo’s arrival is a game-changer, not only for their performance but also for their commercial prospects. The team has long struggled to attract the same level of attention as the league's top franchises, but with Guo on board, that is set to change. Ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise revenue are all likely to spike as fans flock to see one of China’s biggest stars in action.

Even if Guangzhou is unable to challenge Liaoning for the title this season, Guo’s presence ensures that they will remain in the spotlight. The narrative of Guo taking on his old team, along with the chance to lead Guangzhou to new heights, guarantees that this season will be filled with anticipation and excitement.

Liaoning’s Quest for a Fourth Consecutive Title

As much as Guo’s return to the CBA is a significant event, the Liaoning Flying Leopards remain the team to beat. The reigning champions are stacked with talent and are looking stronger than ever. Their impressive start to the season, despite missing Zhang Zhenlin, showcases just how deep and well-rounded this squad is.

The addition of Wang Lanchun has bolstered an already potent lineup, giving Liaoning more flexibility and firepower off the bench. With Wang, Zhao Jiwei, and other key contributors like Fu Hao and OJ Mayo, the team has a perfect blend of youth and experience, making them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. Liaoning’s quest for a fourth consecutive CBA title is off to a near-perfect start, and they have their sights set on cementing their dynasty.

For Guo Ailun and Guangzhou, this presents a daunting challenge. While the Loong Lions are unlikely to dethrone Liaoning this season, their matchup on October 18 will be about more than the final score. For Guo, it’s about proving that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. For Liaoning, it’s about showing that they remain the kings of Chinese basketball, even without their longtime star.

One thing is for sure: when the two teams meet on October 18, all eyes will be on the court.