Tough times ahead in London

The Chinese men's basketball team faces a daunting task at the Games, but vows to battle all the way

Every Olympics provides a tough challenge for the Chinese national men's basketball team, and this year's Games in London could be the team's sternest test yet. With the side's mainstay, Yao Ming, having retired from the game, key veterans out of shape and its young guns yet to fire at the top international level, Team China is not expected to create too many waves at the Olympics, however it hopes to impress its fans through its fighting spirit.

"London could be the most difficult Olympics for China in recent decades," said Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the national basketball administrative center. "Without Yao, the team is only a third-class squad in the world, even though it won the Asian Championship. So we won't set any goals in terms of results in London."

Hu's comments sound harsh, but they are also realistic.

In its history on the Olympic stage since 1984, China has never risen above eighth place in the final standings.

It accomplished that feat three times: 1996 in Atlanta, 2004 in Athens and 2008 at the Beijing Games. The team has only recorded five victories against American or European teams in 48 Games clashes.

Dominance in Asia has not transferred itself to the elite level of the game.

Even outspoken head coach Bob Donewald admitted the gap between China and the western powerhouses was great.

"One thing we show when healthy is we can compete, but we haven't been able to get over the hurdle and just beat people at the next level," Donewald said at a recent training session in Beijing.

However, the squad believes it can display great fighting spirit and make its countrymen proud in London.

"No prediction of a final result doesn't mean there are no requirements of the team. We hope it will show off its caliber and at least play some high-quality minutes as it did at the last world championship," Hu said.

China finished 16th, its worst result ever, at the 24-team FIBA World Championship in Turkey two years ago, but the lineup won respect through its tough play.

Donewald echoed Hu's sentiments and stressed the inexperienced roster could be dangerous if it gets on a roll.

"We won't lay down for anybody. We want to make sure that regardless of what happens when we come back here and we get off that plane, we want everybody to be really proud of us," said Donewald, who steered the team to the Asian Championship title and an automatic London berth last September.

The 22-man initial roster completed fitness work and fundamental drills last week in Beijing and is now in Hainan province for another week-long fitness program, which started on Monday.

The squad will return to Beijing to hone its skills and tactics for two weeks, before flying abroad for a two-month warm-up schedule, which will start with a three-game tournament against an American team on May 16, before landing London.

Donewald believes the key to any success in London will be defense.

"This is the best defensive team in the history of China. The other teams we play (against) will know they are going to have to come and play very hard if they want to beat us."

On the offensive side, the team is struggling as its only legitimate playmaker Liu Wei is battling injury and age and no one has emerged to run the plays as smoothly as he does.

Donewald has started searching for options from four young guards, including 2010 Under-17 World Championship captain Guo Ailun and Guangdong penetrator Chen Jianghua.

"For China to be good in the future, somebody has to learn it (how to be a point guard) besides Liu," Donewald said. "Right now, there's very good competition (among the four). I want it to be very difficult, so they can get better by battling each other throughout this summer."

The 32-year-old Liu, Shanghai Sharks' captain, has vowed to help cultivate the younger generation at his possible Olympic finale.

"I am keen to share my experience with them. The rise of young guards is important for the team's future prosperity.

"They are talented and ambitious, but need someone to tell them how to run the team. And that's what I am supposed to provide," said Liu.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/28/2012 page15)