The gap between the top six teams in the CBA is very small, and the outcome of a single game can change a team's ranking from third to sixth. In their last match, Liaoning Men's Basketball narrowly defeated Beijing Beikong Men's Basketball, but head coach Yang Ming was far from satisfied with his players' performance. He stated that if any player did not want to give their all, they should not take the court. Despite leading by 16 points in the final moments of the fourth quarter, the team experienced a thrilling turn of events, with many mistakes made after the large lead. Despite these challenges, they managed to secure a victory, which could be seen as a good start.
On January 12 at 19:35, Liaoning Men's Basketball will face Qingdao Men's Basketball away from home. The two teams have met three times this season, including two regular-season games and one group stage match, with Liaoning only managing one win, making Qingdao somewhat of a nemesis. New foreign player James Weber is set to make his debut, marking the first time Liaoning has fielded four foreign players this season. With the exception of the injured Zhang Zhenlin and Cong Mingchen, the team's lineup is now quite complete. Following a lackluster victory where the team seemed disengaged, Yang Ming's outburst suggests the team will fight harder in the upcoming game.
Weber's style of play leans more towards an outside player, with excellent three-point shooting and strong counter-attacking capabilities, akin to an enhanced version of Zhang Zhenlin. Liaoning's targeted recruitment of Weber was largely due to Zhang Zhenlin's recurring injuries, serving as a contingency plan. In the second phase of the competition, Liaoning often played with three guards, resulting in a height disadvantage and being targeted by opponents' forwards. Qingdao's forward line features Wang Ruize and Zhao Jiayi, presenting a challenge for Weber in his debut.
Liaoning's lineup requires reintegration, whether it's Patton or the yet-to-play Weber; they need to become more familiar with the whole team over several games. Qingdao's strength lies in Yang Hanshen, and the task of defending him falls to big foreign player Patton. After playing three games, Patton averages 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game, showcasing a well-rounded performance. He, along with Han Dejun and Li Xiaoxu, will aim to contain Yang Hanshen and limit his impact on the game.
The guard line is Liaoning's advantage, but this season, due to the 4-quarter, 7-foreign-player rule, the team's guards have collectively struggled offensively. In the last game, guards Zhao Jiwei, Wang Lanchen, and Yan Shouqi combined for only 5 successful shots out of 19 attempts. Against Qingdao, at least one of the three needs to regain their offensive form, relying less on Fugue's individual efforts. A championship-level team requires local players to step up. Having four foreign players is an advantage for Liaoning, but they cannot rely solely on them; Fu Hao and Zhao Jiwei must contribute to the team's offensive firepower.
Coach Yang Ming holds high standards for his team, demanding not only victories but also consistent defensive effort. Liaoning's previous game serves as a cautionary example, with Qingdao also possessing top-eight caliber this year and having defeated Liaoning twice this season, both away games. After this match, they will face the Shanghai team on a winning streak, with each game being a tough battle. Having four foreign players on the roster is a new situation for Yang Ming. Having more foreign players does not necessarily equate to an advantage; the key is choosing the right foreign player at the right time. Fugue and Wells are the foundation, while Weber's role is to supplement the forward line.