In the 2022-2023 season of the Chinese Basketball Association, the Liaoning Flying Leopards clinched their third CBA championship title. Their journey to the pinnacle was not a sudden ascent but the culmination of a meticulously constructed system, unwavering perseverance, and the collective spirit of an entire region.
A Foundation of Elite Talent Development
The Liaoning Provincial Sports Technical Institute has long been a national basketball talent incubator. The team's core, players like Guo Ailun, Zhao Jiwei, and Han Dejun, are all products of this rigorous local system. Guo Ailun, the team's offensive engine, averaged 17.0 points and 6.3 assists during the championship playoffs. Zhao Jiwei, the floor general and 2023 Finals MVP, orchestrated the offense with precision, adding crucial perimeter defense. This homegrown core provided stability and a deep understanding of the team's identity.
Strategic Roster Construction and Coaching
Management complemented the local core with shrewd acquisitions. The signing of Eric Moreland during the season bolstered the interior defense and rebounding. The most transformative move was acquiring Zhang Zhenlin, a versatile forward whose athleticism and scoring ability added a new dimension. Coach Yang Ming, a former team captain, implemented a system emphasizing defensive intensity and quick transition offense. In the Finals against Zhejiang Guangsha, Liaoning held their opponents to an average of under 90 points per game, showcasing their defensive discipline.
The Unquantifiable Factor: Fan Support and Provincial Spirit
The passion of Liaoning's fans is legendary. Home games at the Liaoning Gymnasium create an intimidating atmosphere for visitors. This support extends beyond the arena, representing the hopes of a province with a rich industrial and sporting history. The phrase "Liaoning Basketball, Never Give Up" embodies a resilience that carried the team through injuries and playoff pressure. This collective will became a tangible force on the court.
Key Moments in the Championship Run
- Semifinals vs. Guangdong Southern Tigers: Overcoming the defending champions in a hard-fought three-game series, with Zhao Jiwei's clutch performances being pivotal.
- Finals Game 4: Securing the championship sweep with a 106-70 victory, a win built on a dominant defensive effort that forced 20 turnovers.
- Kyle Fogg's Leadership: The veteran import provided consistent scoring and steady leadership, averaging over 20 points per game in the Finals.
The championship was a validation of process over promise. It demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating homegrown stars with strategic reinforcements under cohesive leadership. The victory was celebrated across Liaoning, a testament to basketball's deep roots in the region. For the Liaoning Flying Leopards, the glory was not a destination but a milestone in a continuing legacy, proving that a foundation built on local talent, shrewd strategy, and collective heart can indeed reach the summit.