Officially Signed to a Max Contract! 25 Points and 18 Assists! The First Core Player Rejected by Team China...

The dust has finally settled—Sun Minghui has signed a multi-year max contract extension with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. Despite flirtations with overseas leagues in Japan and Australia, following yet another early playoff exit by Guangsha, Sun ultimately decided to stay with the team. Last season, Sun was undoubtedly the most dominant homegrown ball-handler in the CBA, boasting averages of 21 points, 4.2 rebounds, 10.6 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. His standout performances included a 40-point, 14-assist game and a 25-point, 18-assist explosion. But despite having national team-caliber teammates like Hu Jinqiu and Zhu Junlong, Guangsha has been plagued by injuries, derailing their championship hopes year after year.

Take Hu Jinqiu, for example, Sun's strongest teammate. Hu suffered a ruptured spleen in the 2022 semifinals, broke his right tibia in the 2023 semifinals, and tore a ligament in his left leg in the 2024 quarterfinals. These back-to-back-to-back injuries during the playoffs have been nothing short of disastrous for the team. If Guangsha could ever go into the postseason with a fully healthy roster, they would be one of the few teams capable of challenging the defending champions, the Liaoning Flying Leopards. But "if" doesn't win championships, and managing player health is a non-negotiable requirement for any title-contending team.

As for Sun Minghui, often hailed as the CBA's top homegrown point guard and primary playmaker, his entry into free agency this summer was surprisingly quiet. Despite his impressive stats and status, only a few CBA clubs were rumored to be interested in him, and none made any significant moves. This lack of attention likely expedited his decision to re-sign with Guangsha. The current CBA rules play a big part in this. Other teams were well aware that Guangsha would exercise their max contract clause to retain Sun, making any pursuit a waste of time and resources.

However, Sun's biggest frustration this summer wasn't being "ignored" in free agency; it was being overlooked for the China national team's training camp roster—twice. Being passed over by head coach Guo Shiqiang was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. The last three head coaches of the China national team have mostly snubbed Sun, with the exception of Du Feng, who gave him significant playing time during the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, where Sun averaged 7 assists per game and led the tournament in that category. Since then, however, he has gradually fallen out of favor, missing out on both the FIBA World Cup and the Asian Games, despite his increasingly dominant performances in the CBA.

But being overlooked by the national team might not be entirely a bad thing. It allows Sun to fully focus on his new contract and leading Guangsha to a championship, potentially elevating his career to new heights.

Sun Minghui: The Heart of Guangsha

Sun's influence on the court is undeniable. His ability to control the game, facilitate scoring, and play relentless defense makes him the heart and soul of the Guangsha Lions. Last season, Sun was the engine driving Guangsha's offense, and his numbers reflect just how integral he was to the team’s success. His 25-point, 18-assist game, in particular, showcased his dual-threat capabilities—he's not just a playmaker but a legitimate scoring threat as well.

Despite these individual accolades, Guangsha's playoff struggles have been a recurring theme. Injuries have decimated their roster at the worst possible times, derailing what could have been deep postseason runs. Sun's decision to stay with Guangsha despite these setbacks speaks volumes about his loyalty and belief in the team's potential. With his new max contract in hand, Sun is clearly committed to leading Guangsha to the top of the CBA, and he will be more motivated than ever to silence his doubters.

The National Team Snub

For many players, representing their country is the pinnacle of their careers. For Sun Minghui, however, the road to wearing the national team jersey has been anything but smooth. After shining under Du Feng’s coaching during the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, where he led the tournament in assists, Sun seemed poised to become a mainstay in the national team setup. But as coaching changes ensued, Sun found himself increasingly on the outside looking in.

The snub is puzzling, especially considering Sun's recent performances in the CBA, where he has been nothing short of sensational. His omission from the national team for both the FIBA World Cup and the Asian Games has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Some speculate that his style of play or perhaps his fit within the team's tactical setup might be reasons for his exclusion. Others believe it could be a matter of politics within the CBA or personal preferences from the coaching staff.

Whatever the reason, Sun now finds himself with something to prove. The rejection by the national team might have been a blow to his pride, but it could also serve as the fuel he needs to take his game to the next level. By focusing entirely on Guangsha, Sun has the opportunity to lead by example, showcasing the skills and leadership that many believe should have earned him a spot on the national team.

The Road Ahead for Guangsha

With Sun locked in for the foreseeable future, Guangsha can now turn their attention to building a championship-caliber team around him. The key to their success will be maintaining the health of their core players. As history has shown, injuries can and will derail even the best-laid plans. For Guangsha, this means managing the minutes of players like Hu Jinqiu, whose repeated injuries have been a significant setback for the team.

If Guangsha can avoid the injury bug and enter the playoffs with a healthy roster, they have the talent to challenge the likes of the Liaoning Flying Leopards. Sun Minghui will be at the forefront of this push, orchestrating the offense and leading by example on the defensive end. His ability to make his teammates better, combined with his own scoring prowess, makes him one of the most valuable players in the league.

Sun’s decision to stay with Guangsha rather than explore opportunities overseas or with other CBA teams shows his commitment to the team and its goals. The max contract is a reflection of the trust the organization has in him and his ability to lead them to a championship. Now, it’s up to Sun and his teammates to deliver on that promise.

A Star with Something to Prove

Sun Minghui’s journey has been one of perseverance and resilience. From being overlooked by the national team to leading his club to the brink of success, Sun has faced his fair share of challenges. But with each setback, he has emerged stronger, more determined, and more focused on achieving his goals.

As he enters the new season with a max contract and a chip on his shoulder, Sun Minghui has the perfect opportunity to solidify his legacy. If he can lead Guangsha to a championship while continuing to put up the kind of numbers that have made him one of the CBA's brightest stars, it will be impossible for the national team to ignore him any longer.

For now, Sun remains the heart of Guangsha, the player his teammates look to when the game is on the line. And with a new contract in hand, he's ready to take his game—and his team—to the next level. The road to a championship won't be easy, but with Sun Minghui at the helm, Guangsha has a leader who is more than capable of guiding them to the promised land.