Officially Leaving the CBA! Farewell, Yang Hansen! No More Playing Backup...

In a significant move, the 2020 CBA top pick, Zhu Junxuan, has announced his decision to join the Chiba Jets of Japan’s B.League as an Asian import player, teaming up with Yuta Watanabe and Yuki Togashi. This news comes amid a broader trend of talented Chinese basketball players seeking opportunities abroad. Zhu’s journey from the CBA to the B.League highlights the challenges and aspirations of players navigating professional basketball careers in and out of China.

Zhu Junxuan's Journey

Zhu Junxuan’s path to professional basketball began with high expectations. Despite averaging only 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game during his NCAA stint, his return to China was met with enthusiasm, leading to his selection as the top pick in the 2020 CBA Draft. This optimism was fueled by the success of another NCAA returnee, Zhang Zhenlin, who impressed upon his return to the CBA, making clubs hopeful for similar results from other returning players.

However, Zhu’s performance in the CBA was less than stellar. Last season, he played for the Qingdao Eagles, primarily as a backup to rising star Yang Hansen. Zhu averaged just 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game during the regular season, and slightly better in the playoffs with 2.5 points and 0.5 rebounds per game. Despite his positive attitude and effort, his physical limitations and limited offensive skills hindered his performance. Standing at 2.07 meters with a 2.13-meter wingspan, Zhu’s skill set was primarily limited to finishing plays created by others.

Moving to Japan’s B.League

In the context of the CBA’s competitive environment, Zhu’s move to Japan’s B.League appears to be a strategic decision for better career prospects. The B.League, while not as dominated by tall players as the CBA, offers Zhu a chance to play a more prominent role. His height and experience will make him one of the standout big men in the league.

Choosing the right environment is crucial for a professional athlete’s growth. Although Japan’s B.League might not be the easiest place to dominate—evidenced by Liu Chuanxing’s struggles despite his towering 2.25-meter frame—Zhu’s move indicates his desire for more playing time and a chance to develop his game further.

Other Players Leaving the CBA

Zhu’s decision is part of a larger trend of CBA players in their prime seeking opportunities outside China. Notably, Liu Chuanxing, another former Qingdao Eagles player, has had a nomadic career since failing to renew his contract with Qingdao in 2021. Liu has played in Australia’s NBL, Japan’s B.League, and the East Asia Super League, and is currently with the Hong Kong Bulls in China’s NBL.

Another significant departure is that of Zhu Songwei, the 2020 first-round fourth overall pick. Zhu, known for his impressive combination of skill and marketability, averaged 12.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in his second year with the Sichuan Blue Whales. His continued absence from the CBA since the summer of 2022 has been a notable loss for the league.

The Future of Yang Hansen

Zhu Junxuan’s departure raises questions about the future of Yang Hansen, his former teammate at Qingdao. Yang, who has been Zhu’s backup, now has the opportunity to step out of the shadows and take on a more significant role. Yang’s development will be crucial for Qingdao, which will need to rely on him more heavily following Zhu’s exit.

Yang Hansen’s potential has been evident, but his growth has been somewhat stunted by his backup role. With Zhu’s departure, Yang now has the chance to prove himself as a starting player and a key contributor to the team’s success. His performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

A New Chapter for CBA and Its Players

The departure of players like Zhu Junxuan, Liu Chuanxing, and Zhu Songwei reflects broader dynamics within the CBA and Chinese basketball. As players seek better opportunities and more significant roles abroad, the CBA faces challenges in retaining its top talent. However, this trend also underscores the growing globalization of basketball, where players can pursue careers across various leagues worldwide.

For the CBA, the focus will be on nurturing new talent and creating an environment that encourages players to stay and grow within the league. For players like Zhu Junxuan, the move to Japan’s B.League represents a new chapter filled with potential and opportunities to redefine their careers.

As Zhu embarks on his journey with the Chiba Jets, he carries the hopes and expectations of those who have followed his career. While his time in the CBA may have been underwhelming, the move to Japan offers a fresh start and a chance to showcase his abilities on a new stage.