In the glittering expanse of professional sports, every athlete's career is akin to a long journey filled with the unknown and challenges. Wells' basketball journey is undoubtedly an epic tale of struggle and perseverance, as he writes his own chapter of glory through dedication and hard work.
Wanderlust: The Bumpy Beginning of the Dream Journey
Wells' CBA journey began in the 2019-20 season when he was 26 years old, stepping onto this field full of opportunities and challenges with great anticipation. He successively joined teams like Guangsha, Jiangsu, Qingdao, and Jilin, and in six years, he actually wandered through five teams, like a wanderer adrift in the basketball world. There is no doubt about his basketball skills; his sharp breakthroughs and excellent scoring ability made him stand out on the court. However, basketball is not just a stage for individual scoring but also a battleground for team collaboration and victory. Although Wells could repeatedly score points in games, he never found the most critical key to leading the team to victory. Therefore, during each offseason, he had to face the fate of finding a new home, and the title of "CBA drifter" seemed to be an indelible label during that period.
During the season he joined Guangsha, Wells hoped to make a big splash here, but reality did not live up to expectations. He could only contribute an average of 10 points per game, which was a heavy blow to him who harbored lofty aspirations. His experience in Jilin was even worse, playing only 10 games with few opportunities, plunging his basketball path into an unprecedented low point.
Fate's Turning Point: Liaoning's Unexpected Choice
As time came to the first phase of the offseason this season, Liaoning made an unexpected decision during their lineup adjustments - signing Wells. At the time, the outside world was not optimistic about this signing, with many believing he was just a "demolition expert" who could temporarily step up when Fugui was tired, merely a small addition to the team's tactical system. However, none of them anticipated that this 32-year-old veteran was about to embark on an astonishing comeback journey with Liaoning.
Upon arriving at Liaoning, Wells' heart was filled with a strong desire to prove himself. Despite being over thirty, his performance on the court was like a young and spirited lad, brimming with endless vitality and fighting spirit. In the game, he repeatedly broke through the opponent's defense like lightning, fearlessly charging into the paint, lifting his body high, and igniting the audience's passion with powerful dunks. His breakthrough skills became increasingly proficient, like a sharp blade capable of tearing open a gap in the opponent's tight defense. What was even more surprising was that his three-point shooting percentage this season reached a career-high of 48%, knowing that his best previous season was only 40%. This significant improvement made him more comprehensive and threatening on the offensive end.
Blossoming Brilliance: Conquering Everyone with Strength
As the season progressed, Wells gradually established himself in Liaoning. His performance on the court became increasingly dazzling, illuminating the path forward for the team like a brilliant star. 35 points, 39 points, 40 points - he repeatedly刷新ed his scoring record with Liaoning, with each game becoming a personal showcase for him. In the intense match against Guangzhou, Wells became the team's absolute hero.
As the game entered a tense moment, both sides were locked in a close battle, the situation deadlocked. It was then that Wells stood out, relying on his superhuman individual ability to repeatedly break through the opponent's defense like a ghost, with the basketball seemingly merging with him and accurately flying towards the basket. His shooting touch was scorching hot, whether it was mid-range jump shots or long-distance threes, all could be steadily made. In the entire game, he scored 31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, including 7 out of 8 three-pointers, and in the final quarter, he scored 19 points alone with 6 out of 10 shots. His outstanding performance not only helped stabilize the team's situation but also completely won over the fans at the scene. Liaoning fans were moved by his fighting spirit and superb skills, affectionately calling him "Little Dragon."
Grateful Heart: Coach's Trust Aids Growth
Wells' success is inseparable from the trust and support of the Liaoning coaching staff. At the post-game press conference, Wells said gratefully, "I am very happy that Director Yang helped me adapt to this new team. Whether I score 30 points or only 5 points, the coach will never blame me, will not give me pressure, and the coach helped me adapt to the new team very quickly, for which I am also very grateful." It was precisely the meticulous guidance and full trust of coach Yang Ming that allowed Wells to play without worries on the court. He no longer anxiously pursued points but instead devoted all his energy to the goal of helping the team win. This trust was like warm sunshine, illuminating Wells' path forward and allowing him to thrive on the fertile soil of Liaoning.
At the "advanced age" of 32, Wells welcomed the highlight of his career, using his personal experience to illustrate the power of persistence and effort. His story tells us that no matter how rugged and bumpy the road ahead may be, as long as we hold onto our dreams and never give up, we can surely shine on the stage of life. His outstanding performance with Liaoning not only brought victories to the team but also countless exciting moments to the fans. We believe that in future games, Wells will continue to contribute his strength to Liaoning and write a more splendid chapter. And his story will inspire more athletes to persevere and pursue their dreams in adversity.
Wells' basketball journey continues, with infinite possibilities for his future. Liaoning fans look forward to him maintaining his excellent form and leading the team to achieve better results in the season. As for Wells himself, he fully understands the hardships and difficulties he has faced along the way, thus cherishing the current opportunity even more. He will continue to work hard in training, constantly improving his technical level to make a greater contribution to the team. Whether on offense or defense, he will go all out, demonstrating the professionalism of a professional player with his actions.
At the same time, Wells' story has also garnered widespread attention in the CBA league. His experiences have become an inspiring example for many players, encouraging those facing difficulties in their careers to forge ahead. Many young players see the power of persistence in him and understand that as long as they keep working hard, they have the chance to realize their dreams. For the entire CBA league, Wells' comeback has added a different hue, attracting more fans' attention and enhancing the league's watchability and competitive level.
In the days to come, Wells will continue to sweat on the basketball court, striving for his love and dreams. His story will continue to be written, becoming an unforgettable legend in CBA history. We have every reason to believe that this former "CBA drifter" will create more brilliance with Liaoning and put a perfect finishing touch on his career. Let us look forward together to his wonderful performances in future games and witness him continue to write his own basketball legend.