In Game 3 of the CBA quarterfinals, Guangdong suffered a 73-88 defeat to Beijing, losing the series 1-2 and bowing out before the semifinals. The heavy investment in the offseason led to high expectations, but the returns have been disappointing, particularly for two key acquisitions: Jiao Boqiao and Cui Yongxi.
Jiao Boqiao showed promise during his time with Guangzhou, even earning a starting role last season. However, since joining Guangdong, his confidence has plummeted. In the first quarter, after Wang Shaojie ran into foul trouble, Jiao stepped up defensively, effectively containing Zhou Qi and giving the team a boost. Yet after just a few minutes on the floor, he was benched for the entire second and third quarters, leaving the team baffled. With foreign players Lackovic and Salinger struggling on both ends, continuing to rely on Jiao might have shored up the interior. Head coach Du Feng’s handling of Jiao has clearly been insufficient.
Cui Yongxi’s struggles also stem from coaching decisions. His playing time rarely exceeds 10 minutes per game, often hovering around that mark, and he’s never given more than 15 minutes. Moreover, his role on the court is even lower than that of Zhang Haojia. Frequently stationed in the corner, Cui has little opportunity to impact the offense, effectively reduced to a mere role player. When the interior falters, he’s asked to slide to the power forward spot, further hampering his effectiveness.
This summer presents a crucial window for Du Feng to better understand the strengths and capabilities of both players and find ways to unlock their potential. If not addressed, their struggles could persist, wasting talent that clearly has room to develop. Fans hope the coaching staff can make the necessary adjustments to revive these promising talents.
