Out for Now: Bone Marrow Edema Forces China's Core Guard to Step Back from CBA

As the second phase of competition unfolds, injuries have ravaged China's national basketball team, especially among the guards. The situation raises serious concerns about whether coach Guo Shiqiang will have any viable options left by the time the third window of next year’s Asia Cup qualifiers arrives. Among the injured are three key players: Hu Mingxuan, who suffered a shoulder dislocation; Sun Minghui, sidelined with mild cranial injury and a concussion; and Liao Sanning, whose worsening ankle issues have escalated into bone marrow edema. Of the three, Liao’s condition is by far the most severe, with his season effectively over.

Since stepping into a pivotal role for Team China earlier this year, Liao Sanning has consistently demonstrated his potential as a core guard. In five games against elite competition, including the Australian national team and appearances at the NBA Summer League, he averaged 19.4 minutes, 13.8 points, and shot an impressive 47.4% from the field. More recently, Liao played a central role in warm-up matches against Spanish powerhouse Joventut and during the second window of the Asia Cup qualifiers. Across these games, he contributed 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists over two matches, solidifying his reputation as the next great Chinese guard—potentially even surpassing the legacy of Guo Ailun.

However, Liao’s nonstop schedule of club and national team commitments has left him with no opportunity to rest or recover. His long-standing ankle issues, previously manageable, have now deteriorated into bone marrow edema, forcing him to take an indefinite leave of absence. This marks a significant setback for the 23-year-old rising star and a severe blow to both his club, the Beijing Royal Fighters, and the national team.

Liao Sanning: A Rising Star Cut Down by Injuries

Before his injury, Liao Sanning was enjoying a strong season in the CBA. Over 13 games for the Beijing Royal Fighters, he averaged 34.1 minutes, 12.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. While his shooting percentages—42% from the field and 32% from three-point range—left room for improvement, there was every expectation that he would continue to grow into a more polished and consistent player. Unfortunately, his nagging ankle issues worsened over the course of the season, culminating in a diagnosis of bone marrow edema, effectively ruling him out for the foreseeable future.

The Royal Fighters now find themselves in a precarious position. They have been plagued by injuries all season, with key players like Zhang Fan and Jin Xin also sidelined for extended periods. This has directly impacted the team’s performance; their 8-7 record places them 11th in the league standings, dangerously close to falling out of playoff contention. The absence of Liao only compounds their struggles, leaving the team searching for answers as they navigate a challenging season.

Comparing Beijing’s Struggles to the NBA’s Pelicans

The Royal Fighters' current predicament bears a striking resemblance to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Both teams entered their respective seasons with high expectations after aggressive offseason moves, only to be derailed by waves of injuries. For the Royal Fighters, this means relying on an already depleted roster to stay afloat in a competitive league. Despite their injury woes, their upcoming schedule provides some hope. With two games against Ningbo and one against Shenzhen in their next five matchups, the Royal Fighters have a chance to stabilize their position and avoid slipping further in the standings.

A Heavy Blow for Team China

Liao Sanning’s absence is not just a loss for his club but a significant setback for Team China as well. This summer, he emerged as a key figure for the national team, stepping into the role of primary playmaker and earning praise for his performances against top-tier opponents. His ability to both score and facilitate was on full display, offering hope for a brighter future for Chinese basketball. Yet, his injury highlights the risks of overburdening young players with back-to-back commitments across club and international competitions.

In recent years, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and national team schedules have increasingly overlapped, leaving little room for players to rest and recover. This relentless pace has taken its toll on several athletes, and Liao’s case serves as a cautionary tale. The risk of long-term damage from bone marrow edema is significant, and proper rest and rehabilitation will be critical to ensure his full recovery.

An Uncertain Road Ahead

For Liao Sanning, the path forward is uncertain. Bone marrow edema is a serious condition that requires extensive rest and careful management to prevent further complications. While his immediate focus will undoubtedly be on recovery, the hope is that he can return to the court stronger and continue to build on the immense potential he has already shown.

For the Beijing Royal Fighters, the challenge will be finding ways to remain competitive without their star guard. The team’s depth will be tested as they attempt to navigate the remainder of the season with a depleted roster. Similarly, Team China will need to adapt and identify alternative options at the guard position as they prepare for the critical third window of the Asia Cup qualifiers next year.

Liao Sanning’s injury is a sobering reminder of the physical toll that basketball can take on players, especially those thrust into demanding roles at a young age. As he steps away from the game to focus on his health, fans and analysts alike will watch closely, hoping for a full recovery and a triumphant return for one of Chinese basketball’s brightest stars.