Yang Zheng in Tears! 22-for-25 from Three—The True Second-Round Star of the CBA Emerges

In the world of basketball, it’s not always the first-round picks that shine the brightest. The second round often produces its fair share of gems, and 2019 second-round pick No. 5, Wang Ruizhe, is proving to be one of the CBA’s brightest talents. Wang, who plays for the Qingdao Eagles, has emerged as one of the league's most dangerous shooters and a consistent offensive threat. This summer, he made headlines during the CBA's preseason testing, where he showcased his incredible shooting ability and put himself in the conversation as possibly the best second-round pick in recent CBA history.

Wang Ruizhe's Stellar Performance: A Record-Setting Shooting Display

During the CBA's summer training camp, Wang Ruizhe participated in a high-intensity two-minute shooting drill designed to measure a player's endurance and shooting consistency under pressure. In a stunning performance, Wang went 22-for-25, setting a new record. Not only was he the first player to attempt 25 shots in the allotted two minutes, but he also became the first to sink 22 of them, a shooting percentage of 88%. This is an unprecedented feat in the CBA, earning him the distinction of being the only player to achieve a perfect score in the shooting portion of the test.

Wang didn’t stop there. He also completed four other testing events in just two hours, amassing an impressive score of 590 out of a possible 600 points, falling just 10 points short of perfection. His performance during these tests solidified his status as one of the league’s most physically capable and well-rounded players, proving that he is more than just a sharpshooter.

A Rising Star: Wang’s Breakout Season with Qingdao

Wang Ruizhe's incredible physical and mental preparation has clearly paid off on the court as well. Last season, he had a breakout year for the Qingdao Eagles, posting career-high numbers across the board. In the regular season, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 44.4% from beyond the arc. His performance didn’t dip in the playoffs either, where he elevated his game even further, averaging 24 points, 2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.

His three-point shooting was particularly noteworthy, as he continued to be a sniper from deep, stretching defenses and making life easier for his teammates. His ability to knock down shots from range, combined with his solid defensive contributions, made him one of the most valuable players for Qingdao during their playoff run.

Yang Zheng’s Struggles: A Stark Contrast

While Wang Ruizhe has been ascending to new heights, fellow second-rounder Yang Zheng has found himself in a much more difficult situation. Drafted first in the second round of this year's draft by the Sichuan Blue Whales, Yang has failed to live up to expectations thus far, particularly during the summer testing phase.

In the same two-minute shooting drill that Wang dominated, Yang struggled mightily. He went 8-for-21 in his first attempt and followed it up with an even more dismal 7-for-22 in his second. Not only did he fail to make enough shots, but he also didn’t even manage to take the required 24 attempts in the two minutes. Because of this, Yang was left without a qualifying score, putting his CBA eligibility in question.

His struggles continued in the shuttle run, a test of speed and endurance. Yang, after completing two rounds, quit before finishing the third. Despite being a second-round pick, Yang’s performance in these crucial tests has led many to doubt whether he has what it takes to succeed at the professional level. With two more opportunities to re-test, the pressure is on for Yang to step up and prove himself.

The Tale of Two Players: Wang's Success and Yang’s Setbacks

Wang Ruizhe’s story couldn’t be more different from that of Yang Zheng. Whereas Yang has faltered in the face of pressure, Wang has thrived. His exceptional work ethic and determination to improve have been on full display this summer, and his testing performance is just the latest example of why he is rapidly becoming one of the CBA's most exciting players to watch.

Wang’s dominance isn’t just limited to shooting, either. His overall athleticism and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made him a standout in every aspect of his game. Whether it’s sinking three-pointers or excelling in physical tests, Wang has shown that he has the potential to be a star in the CBA for years to come.

Meanwhile, Yang Zheng’s journey has been a difficult one. His struggles in the preseason tests raise serious questions about his readiness for the CBA. While it’s true that players can improve over time, Yang has a long way to go before he can match the level of performance that Wang Ruizhe has been displaying. His inability to complete the shuttle run and his poor shooting performance indicate that he has significant work to do, both physically and mentally, if he hopes to secure a spot on the Sichuan roster.

The Fan-Favorite: "Da Wang" Still a Force to Be Reckoned With

It’s not just Wang Ruizhe who is making headlines, though. CBA veteran Wang Zhelin, affectionately known as "Da Wang" by fans, continues to be a polarizing figure in the league. Despite a solid season last year where he averaged 19.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in the regular season, and 15.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in the playoffs, Wang Zhelin has seen his reputation take a hit following poor showings in the FIBA World Cup and the Asian Games. His once-dominant presence in the post has been overshadowed by the rapid emergence of younger players, particularly Yang Hansen, who has been touted as the future of China’s big men.

However, Wang Zhelin remains a favorite topic of discussion online, where fans continue to debate his legacy. Despite his struggles, his accomplishments as one of China’s best domestic players cannot be denied, and his name still generates plenty of buzz across social media. His athletic testing results this summer—while not spectacular—were more than sufficient to secure his place on the team. In fact, Wang’s scores in several categories, including 65 seconds in the shuttle run and 21 reps in the weighted bench press, were strong enough to put him in the upper echelon of CBA big men.

Though his shooting percentage in the two-minute drill was just 15-for-29, Wang’s performance in other areas, such as rebounding and defense, remains solid. For a center of his size, shooting over 50% in a high-intensity drill is acceptable, and his overall score was well over the required threshold to pass.

The Path Forward for Wang Ruizhe and Yang Zheng

As the CBA prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on players like Wang Ruizhe and Yang Zheng. For Wang, the challenge will be maintaining his level of performance and continuing to develop into a complete player. His shooting ability is already elite, but to truly become one of the CBA’s best, he will need to keep working on his all-around game, particularly his playmaking and defense.

For Yang Zheng, the path forward is much more uncertain. He has two more chances to pass his tests and earn his place in the CBA, but he will need to make significant improvements in both his conditioning and his shooting if he hopes to stick with the Sichuan Blue Whales. His talent is undeniable, but talent alone won’t be enough to secure his future in the league.

One thing is certain: Wang Ruizhe has already cemented his place as one of the best second-round picks in recent CBA history. His summer performance has only further solidified his reputation as a rising star, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him continue to make headlines throughout the season. For Yang Zheng, however, the road to CBA stardom remains long and full of challenges.