Rising Star: Is Liao Sanning the New Top Scoring Guard for China?

The Chinese men’s basketball team has wrapped up the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in dominant fashion, securing an undefeated record and an impressive total point differential of +86. Their latest victory, a commanding 90-52 win over Mongolia, showcased not only their overall team strength but also the emergence of young talents like Liao Sanning, who continues to solidify his reputation as China’s premier penetrating guard.

A Challenging Start Against Mongolia

Facing Mongolia in an away game, China encountered a slew of unexpected challenges, from questionable officiating to physical play by their opponents. Despite being on the receiving end of numerous controversial calls—including a notable instance where Hu Mingxuan was both kneed and shoved, yet only a regular foul was assessed—the Chinese squad maintained their composure. Their superior skill level ensured that even with 11 first-half turnovers and the metaphorical “five-on-eight” battle against the referees, they entered halftime with a comfortable 14-point lead.

The physicality escalated in the second half. Mongolia’s aggressive tactics peaked when a player attempted a chokehold-style move on Cheng Shuai Peng, leading to an on-court scuffle. Fortunately, the situation was diffused before it could spiral out of control, though not without penalties. Rising star Yang Hansen refused to back down from these provocations, earning himself a technical foul for his retaliatory stance. Mongolia’s side, however, bore the brunt of the fallout with three technical fouls handed out to their players and coaching staff combined.

Liao Sanning’s Breakout Performance

Amid the chaotic and physical nature of the game, one player stood out: Liao Sanning. The 23-year-old guard demonstrated remarkable composure and efficiency, finishing the game with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. What was most impressive was his ability to get to the free-throw line and convert under pressure, shooting 12-of-11 from the charity stripe. Despite only making one field goal, Liao’s relentless drives to the basket forced fouls and kept the Mongolian defense on its heels.

This performance further solidified Liao’s position as one of the most promising guards in China’s rotation. Comparisons to Guo Ailun, long regarded as the nation’s best slashing guard, have become increasingly frequent. Liao’s ability to attack the paint, combined with his reliable free-throw shooting, makes him a crucial weapon for a team often criticized for its inefficiency at the line.

Hu Jinqiu’s Dominance

While Liao Sanning grabbed headlines for his breakout performance, Hu Jinqiu delivered a masterclass in efficiency. The forward shot an astounding 11-of-10 from the field, contributing 20 points and 5 rebounds in a near-flawless display. His consistent ability to finish around the rim provided a steady offensive presence for the team, ensuring the game remained out of reach for Mongolia.

A Well-Rounded Team Effort

China’s victory was a team effort, with four players scoring in double figures. In addition to Hu Jinqiu and Liao Sanning, Hu Mingxuan added 14 points, and Cheng Shuai Peng scored 16 points despite being the target of Mongolia’s physical play. However, the team’s 20 turnovers were a glaring issue in an otherwise dominant performance.

Head coach Aleksandar Djordjevic will undoubtedly address these miscues as the team prepares for stiffer competition in the next window. While Mongolia and other weaker teams in the qualifiers failed to capitalize on these mistakes, stronger opponents like Japan, China’s next rival, will not be as forgiving.

Looking Ahead: A Clash with Japan

The second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers was undoubtedly a confidence boost for China, but the real test lies ahead. Their first matchup in the third window, scheduled for February 20, will be against Japan. While Japan struggled in their recent games, narrowly defeating Guam by just five points, their roster for February could look very different. Missing stars like Yuki Kawamura, Rui Hachimura, and Yuta Watanabe, Japan fielded a depleted squad.

China will need to maintain its focus and discipline, particularly against Japan’s high-octane style led by Kawamura if he returns. The team’s turnovers and occasional lapses in defense must be addressed to ensure success against their regional rivals.

Liao Sanning: The Future of Chinese Basketball

Liao Sanning’s rise comes at a pivotal moment for Chinese basketball. With seasoned guards like Guo Ailun approaching the twilight of their careers, the national team is in need of a new leader in the backcourt. Liao’s unique combination of speed, court vision, and scoring ability positions him as a prime candidate to fill that role.

What sets Liao apart is his consistency at the free-throw line. China has long struggled with poor free-throw shooting in critical moments, but Liao’s 91.7% accuracy in this game underscores his ability to deliver under pressure. As the team prepares for tougher competition, having a reliable guard who can attack the rim and convert from the line will be invaluable.

Final Thoughts

With their dominant win over Mongolia and an undefeated record in the second window, China has sent a clear message: they are ready to reclaim their place atop Asian basketball. However, their journey is far from over. The emergence of young stars like Liao Sanning and Yang Hansen provides hope for the future, but consistency and composure will be key as they face tougher challenges ahead.

For now, fans can celebrate a team that not only overcame adversity but also showed glimpses of a bright future, led by players who are hungry to prove themselves on the international stage. As Liao Sanning continues to develop, the question remains: can he be the one to carry the torch for Chinese basketball into the next era?