Older basketball fans will likely recognize the name Ding Jinhui. This former Zhejiang Chouzhou men's basketball player, known for his relentless spirit, stands just over 2 meters tall but has made a significant impact in the CBA league with his positivity and keen sense for rebounds. He has also been selected for the national team on multiple occasions.
However, since Ding Jinhui's time, there have been few forwards around 2 meters tall who have managed to make a name for themselves in the league. The most recent example might be Zhang Chunjun, who followed Sichuan Men's Basketball to victory. This season, Li Xiangbo, a second-round pick by Guangzhou Men's Basketball in the draft, has emerged as a gem, reminiscent of both Ding Jinhui and Zhang Chunjun.
Due to the departure of several key players from Guangzhou this season, Li Xiangbo, who previously played as a mainstay for many years with Anhui Wenyi in the NBL, has received ample trust from Guangzhou head coach Mitchell upon his arrival in the CBA. He had already scored over 20 points in a single game during the first stage of the season. As he adapted to the intensity of CBA games in the second stage, Li Xiangbo achieved his first double-double in a match against Shanghai. In the latest round, he helped Guangzhou defeat Jiangsu, ending an 11-game losing streak. With Jiao Boqiao injured, Li Xiangbo played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Facing Jiangsu's foreign player Thompson, Li Xiangbo did not show any fear and instead delivered an outstanding performance. Starting the game and playing for 31 minutes, he scored 16 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, provided 2 assists, and made 2 steals, with a +11 plus-minus that was second only to foreign player Ma Keao in the team. Among these 10 rebounds, 4 were offensive rebounds, and without Li Xiangbo's active pursuit, Guangzhou Men's Basketball would not have been able to secure the win.
Standing at only 2.01 meters tall, Li Xiangbo has the physique of a swingman between the forward and guard positions. However, within this Guangzhou team, he is currently expected to play the power forward position (the No. 4 position), and may even have to fill in at the center position (the No. 5 position) due to Jiao Boqiao's likely season-ending injury. Previously, in a match against Shanghai, Li Xiangbo faced off against their strong foreign player Lofton. Despite being a rookie in his first year, Li Xiangbo displayed a level of maturity that is quite rare among new players.
So far this season, Li Xiangbo averages 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1 steal, and 0.5 blocks per game in 26.1 minutes of playing time, with shooting percentages of 48.9%, 34.6%, and 67.6%. His average of 3 offensive rebounds per game ranks ninth in the entire league, surpassing even top-tier domestic players like Wang Zhelin and Hu Jinqiu. If the national team is looking for a forward with tenacity in the future, the 25-year-old Li Xiangbo is certainly a worthy candidate for consideration.