Guangdong Southern Tigers Open Season Under Coach Nenad Jakovljević

The Guangdong Southern Tigers open the 2026-2027 Chinese Basketball Association season under a restructured leadership team featuring Serbian coach Nenad Jakovljević, who takes over sideline duties as the eleven-time league champions shift toward a ball-movement and passing offense.

Guangdong Southern Tigers Open 2026-2027 Season With New Leadership Structure

The Guangdong Southern Tigers held their official 2026-2027 season tip-off ceremony on October 12 at the Guangdong Dongguan Hongyuan Hotel, unveiling a revamped coaching staff and roster for the upcoming campaign. Former head coach Du Feng has been promoted to club general coach, stepping away from on-court sideline management to focus on overall team planning and player development. Club legend Zhu Fangyu has transitioned from general manager to club honorary advisor.

To steer the squad on the floor, the club hired Serbian coach Nenad Jakovljević as head coach. Jakovljević has installed a tactical system centered on passing, cutting, and fluid team play, diverging from the club’s traditional sets. In a recent pre-season tournament in Shantou featuring a single foreign player, the team posted a 1-2 record as it adjusted to the new schemes.

Roster Additions Bring Veteran Depth and National Team Experience

The roster undergoes significant retooling highlighted by the return of 37-year-old forward Zhou Peng, who rejoins the franchise after a four-year absence to provide defensive presence, frontcourt depth, and veteran leadership. The team also added young player Yang Tengfei on a loan. Meanwhile, Du Runwang transferred to the Nanjing Tongxi, and Xu Xin continues his development on loan with the Guangzhou Loong Lions.

National team guards and forwards Hu Mingxuan, Xu Jie, Cui Yongxi, and Jiao Boqiao anchor the core rotation. They are supported by a foundational group that includes Zhou Peng, Zhang Haojia, Huang Mingyi, Zhang Wenyi, Yang Yi, Zhang Hao, Chen Jiapeng, and Wang Hongze. In the foreign player department, Guangdong signed 2-meter Croatian versatile forward Luka Božić. Last season’s contributor Samuna continues with the club but is currently sidelined with a wrist injury, prompting the management to evaluate additional foreign signings.

Coach Jakovljević and Captain Hu Mingxuan Outline Team Goals

Jakovljević emphasized the club’s championship pedigree and rich basketball heritage during the season launch. Despite a short preparation window, the head coach outlined his expectations for the squad’s identity on the floor. “I have great confidence in the team, and I hope the veteran players play a guiding role to stabilize the squad with their experience, while young players dare to step up and everyone truly integrates into the system,” Jakovljević stated.

Team captain Hu Mingxuan echoed those sentiments regarding the collective approach required for the 11-time champions. “As captain, I must take the lead in training, take responsibility in games, and be the first to stand up in difficult moments to unite everyone,” Hu Mingxuan said. He added that the team approaches every fixture with defensive intensity and rebounding commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Guangdong’s Season Opening

Who is the new head coach of the Guangdong Southern Tigers?
Serbian coach Nenad Jakovljević took over as head coach ahead of the 2026-2027 CBA season, succeeding Du Feng, who moved into a club general coach role focusing on overall strategy and development.

What roster changes did Guangdong make for the 2026-2027 season?
The club brought back 37-year-old veteran Zhou Peng after a four-year hiatus and signed 2-meter Croatian forward Luka Božić. Du Runwang transferred to Nanjing Tongxi, and Xu Xin remains on loan with Guangzhou Loong Lions.

Where was the team’s season tip-off ceremony held?
The 2026-2027 season opening ceremony took place on October 12 at the Guangdong Dongguan Hongyuan Hotel.