Shanxi Men's Basketball Team has truly impressed this season with its transformation from the introduction of foreign players to strengthening the frontcourt and the growth of domestic players. The team seems to have taken on a new look, especially Diawara, the slam dunk champion, who has transitioned from an NBA fringe player to a CBA superstar, making one marvel at the wonders of the basketball world.
The changes in the CBA's foreign player policy this season are significant, transitioning from four quarters with four foreign player slots to four quarters with seven. This has led teams to stockpile foreign players, with some even signing as many as seven or eight, resulting in a league filled with foreign faces.
Shanxi's choice of foreign players is quite interesting; they did not blindly pursue big-name stars but instead selected several complementary players. Goodwin handles organization, Diawara focuses on offense, and Faye specializes in defense, creating a more complete tactical system for the team.
Speaking of Diawara, he was known for his astonishing leaping ability during his NBA days, even winning a slam dunk contest. However, his shooting consistency was not stable, leading him to eventually join the CBA.
After joining Shanxi, Diawara was not initially the main scorer, often coming off the bench with an average score of less than 20 points. However, following Goodwin's suspension, he had to step up and carry the team's offensive burden.
In the game against Shenzhen, Diawara transformed, scoring 44 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists in 39 minutes. Especially in the fourth quarter and overtime, he always managed to score in critical moments.
The match against Guangsha was even more exciting, with Diawara playing the full 40 minutes, scoring 46 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and assisting 6 times. In the final moments, he completed a decisive layup, helping the team narrowly win 107:105.
The combined total of 90 points, 31 rebounds, and 11 assists in two consecutive games has made Diawara the focus of the league, with many calling him the new super foreign player, a title that is well-deserved.
Shanxi's rise is not solely due to foreign players; their acquisitions during the offseason, such as Jia Mingru and Liu Chuanxing, have also performed outstandingly. Jia Mingru's addition, in particular, significantly enhanced the team's frontcourt strength.
Goodwin, although currently suspended, previously performed exceptionally well, averaging 24.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, showcasing his comprehensive offensive capabilities as a point guard.
Faye, while not particularly strong offensively, excels in defense and rebounding, averaging 8.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.9 blocks, providing crucial defensive support for the team.
Shanxi's management indeed has a keen eye; they did not blindly pursue big-name foreign players but instead chose suitable players based on team needs. This approach has significantly improved the team's strength.
The new small foreign player, Lemon, has not performed ideally, often getting blocked after charging inside, reflecting Shanxi's management's willingness to try new things.
Zhang Ning's growth is also a key factor in the team's rise. After years of development, the young player has finally begun to showcase his abilities on the court.
Shanxi has now become a top-tier team in the league, closely related to their reasonable personnel configuration. Both domestic and foreign players can find their place within the team.
Diawara's success also provides an excellent example for other NBA fringe players, demonstrating that finding the right stage can lead to shining in a different light.