Unstoppable! 13 Threes in Two Nights—How Did China’s National Team Overlook This Talent?

The CBA season is heating up, and with every game, players are making statements. Some prove they belong at the highest level, while others fight for recognition. One name that is suddenly impossible to ignore? Li Hongquan.

The young swingman has been on an absolute tear, delivering back-to-back elite performances that leave many questioning why China’s national team didn’t see his value sooner. As the Beijing Ducks took down the Shanghai Sharks in a high-profile showdown, Li once again showed why he deserves serious consideration for a spot in China’s lineup.

Beijing vs. Shanghai: A Battle of Heavyweights

This wasn’t just any game. The Beijing Ducks and Shanghai Sharks are both playoff contenders, and their matchup was a test of endurance and skill. For Shanghai, it was their second game in as many nights—coming off a gritty 100-95 win over Shanxi. Back-to-back games are never easy, and the fatigue factor was real.

Shanghai started slow, trailing 61-52 at halftime. Despite a strong second-half push, they ultimately fell short, losing 108-98. But while the result didn’t go their way, individual performances told a different story.

Zhou Qi vs. Kenneth Lofton Jr.: A Showdown in the Paint

One of the game’s biggest talking points? The Zhou Qi vs. Kenneth Lofton Jr. battle in the paint.

Lofton, the powerful American forward, has been a force in the CBA, often bullying his way to points and rebounds. But this time? He met a wall. Zhou Qi stepped up in a big way, shutting down Lofton and asserting his dominance inside.

• Zhou Qi’s stat line: 20 points, 11 rebounds (8-of-6 FG)
• Lofton’s stat line: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists

It wasn’t even close. Zhou not only outscored Lofton but also anchored Beijing’s defense, forcing him into a frustrating night. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable.

And it wasn’t just Zhou. Zeng Fanbo joined the defensive effort, making sure Lofton never found a rhythm. He even had a bit of fun after the game, jokingly saying, “I can serve foreign friends hot pot too.”

But as impressive as Zhou and Zeng were, the real story was Li Hongquan’s incredible shooting.

Back-to-Back Shooting Clinics: 13 Threes in Two Nights!

Li Hongquan has been an absolute sniper over the past two games, lighting up the scoreboard from beyond the arc.

• Against Shanxi: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4-of-8 from three
• Against Beijing: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3-of-5 from three

That’s 7-of-13 from three-point range in just 48 hours!

In a league where shooting is at a premium, Li’s ability to stretch the floor is exactly what China’s national team needs. Yet somehow, he was cut from the roster during the Asian Qualifiers training camp. Many questioned the decision at the time, but now? It looks even more baffling.

Why wasn’t a player this efficient and this versatile given a real chance?

Why Isn’t Li Hongquan on China’s National Team?

Li is a 3-4 position swingman, a rare commodity in Chinese basketball. He has the size to battle inside and the shooting touch to play on the perimeter. Yet, when it came to finalizing China’s national team roster, he was left out.

The likely reason? Competition at the forward spots.

China’s starting lineup already includes:

• Zeng Fanbo (elite prospect, high ceiling)
• Zhu Junlong (proven two-way player)

Breaking into the starting five is difficult. But what about a bench role?

Li is easily talented enough to be a key rotational piece, bringing instant offense and floor spacing—two things China desperately needs at the international level. His performances in the CBA prove that.

Will China’s coaching staff recognize this before it’s too late?

Where Was Wang Zhelin?

One name missing from this battle? Wang Zhelin.

The Shanghai big man was unavailable due to injury. In the previous game against Shanxi, he took a hard shot to the knee from Cheick Diallo and was unable to suit up against Beijing. That meant no showdown between Wang and his longtime friend Zhou Qi, which would have been another fascinating battle.

Shanghai could have used his size and scoring, but in his absence, Li Hongquan stepped up in a huge way.

Final Take: Li Hongquan Deserves His Shot

Two games. Thirteen three-pointers. Efficient, confident, and stepping up in crucial moments—Li Hongquan is proving himself in real-time.

If the Chinese national team wants to compete at the highest level, they can’t afford to ignore a player like this.

For now, he’s showing his worth in the CBA. But if China’s coaches are paying attention, his next stop should be the international stage.