“China played basketball like a sleepwalker.”
China suffered a shocking second consecutive loss against South Korea in the first round of the 2027 FIBA Qatar Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. This is the first time that they have suffered two consecutive losses to Korea in a competition in which they played at their best.
Even 3 or 4 months ago, this would have been unthinkable. China reached the finals of the FIBA Jeddah Asia Cup 2025 by defeating South Korea and New Zealand in succession, and then had a bloody battle with Australia. By this time, coach Guo Shiqiang had become a ‘national hero’ and China once again had the title of the best pure Asian power. However, they quickly collapsed due to two consecutive losses to South Korea.
China suffered a shocking second consecutive loss against South Korea in the first round of the 2027 FIBA Qatar Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. This is the first time that they have suffered two consecutive losses to Korea in a competition in which they played at their best. Photo = Provided by FIBA
Chinese media ‘Sohu.com’ said, “China was completely defeated by South Korea twice. After that, it felt like they had entered a completely different era. In the Asia Cup 3 or 4 months ago, everything went well. They were full of confidence and the atmosphere was the best. However, after a while, they played like ‘sleepwalkers’ against Korea. Coach Guo Shiqiang also did not have the passion he had during the Asia Cup.”
He added, “The opening of the CBA is imminent, but negotiations for broadcasting rights with Migu are still broken down. The details are not known, but ultimately it is a money issue. The aftermath of losing to Korea twice is having a big and negative impact. Sponsors are naturally trying to lower prices and have a justification. China is under great pressure.”
In China, basketball is the most popular sport in Asia. They are very proud because they have been called the strongest in Asia for a long time. Therefore, the two-game losing streak to South Korea is bound to be shocking.
Lee Hyun-joong played a big role against China and became the protagonist of a new era in history. Photo = Provided by Korea Basketball Association
‘Sohu.com’ said, “The value of the CBA is deeply related to the national team’s performance. They have a positive effect on each other, but they also fall at the same time. China is currently at the center of a storm. It has fallen from heaven to hell in just 3 or 4 months, and the once praised team is being criticized. Coach Guo Shiqiang is also on the verge of dismissal,” he lamented, adding, “In such a situation, the opening of the CBA cannot be a positive factor.”
Of course, even if China lost all of its games to Korea, the possibility of advancing to the Qatar Basketball World Cup does not disappear. If they show off their strength against Japan and Taiwan, they can advance to the second round.
However, they are not satisfied with their current power. ‘Sohu.com’ argued, “Zhang Zhenlin, Zhu Junrong, and Zheng Fanbo must regain their confidence. Veterans such as Zhao Rui and Hu Jinqiu are still important. And more amazingly talented players such as Wang Junjie must emerge.”
Director Guo Shiqiang, once a national hero, has now become a traitor and is in danger of being dismissed. Photo = Provided by Korea Basketball Association
He continued, “The most important thing is naturalized players. China must consider recruiting one or more naturalized players. This is a very important matter and an issue that cannot be delayed any longer. Currently, recruiting naturalized players is a common strategy in international basketball. Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Syria, etc. have successfully used this method. We do not need to cling to the past, nor do we need to endure any longer. We must not miss this opportunity. If possible, it is better to recruit foreign players who play in the CBA. China. He added, “He is familiar with basketball and can adapt quickly.”
If China does not advance to the second round due to two consecutive losses to South Korea, the opportunity to advance to the 2028 LA Olympics will naturally disappear. Of course, they may be given a chance at the final qualifying round, but there is no chance that they will pass the final qualifying round where the best players gather as they cannot even make it through the Asian qualifying round.
After the 2016 Rio Olympics, China was unable to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now we are in a position where we cannot guarantee even the finals of the Basketball World Cup.
‘Sohu.com’ observed, “We hope that the CBA can provide reinforcements and strong support to the national team. And it should do so.”
Hu Jinchu is a good enough player to be selected as one of the best 5 players in the Asia Cup, but he was unable to use his strength in the two-game series against Korea. Photo = Provided by FIBA
[민준구 MK스포츠 기자]
[ⓒ MK스포츠, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
