The basics
The CBA started in 1994 and will this year expand from 18 to 20 teams, playing a 38-game season. Lately, it’s been dominated by the Guangdong Southern Tigers, who have won eight titles in the last 11 years. However, the Marbury-led Ducks have upset that balance, winning two titles in the last three years, bouncing Guangdong from the playoffs both times.
The rule change
This season will be especially different, as the CBA is enforcing a new rule limiting teams to one foreign player on the court during the fourth quarter. The measures are designed to reverse the recent trend of expats dominating the end of games, while fostering domestic player development.
The foul play
The national team has become more known for fighting (with fisticuffs versus Georgetown University, Australia, Brazil and Serbia) than their game. Hopefully, the rule change will alter all that by forcing better Chinese player training, considering this year’s historic defeat at India’s hands and somehow losing to an Italy team reduced to three players on the court thanks to farcically biased referees.
The Pandas Friend
Former NBA All-Stars wrapping up their careers in China have become common (hello, Tracy McGrady). This year’s big name is Ron Artest, aka Metta World Peace, aka The Pandas Friend. The burly forward is long past his menacing younger days (when he broke Michael Jordan’s ribs in a pick-up game and was the catalyst in the infamous Malice in the Palace brawl with fans). Since winning an NBA title with the LA Lakers, his eccentric personality and habit of switching names has made him a fan favorite.
The rookie
No offense to The Pandas Friend, but the CBA’s most intriguing newcomer is 18-year-old point guard Emmanuel Mudiay. Tapped to be a lottery pick in next year’s NBA draft, he’s drawn comparisons to current stars Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving. A refugee of war-torn Congo, he withdrew from SMU and its Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown to sign a USD1.2 million contract with Guangdong, explaining, “I’m tired of watching my mom struggle.” How he does in the CBA and next year’s draft may open up a Pandora’s Box, with China becoming an alternative to the American college NCAA system, where players are prohibited from being paid. It’s especially pertinent, as the NBA has voiced a preference for extending the gap between high school graduation and entering the league to two years.
The hometown team
Name: Guangdong Southern Tigers.
Last season record: 30-4 (first place). Lost in second round to Beijing Ducks.
The CBA super-team returns an elite lineup headlined by reigning MVP Yi Jianlian and several national standouts. With eight championships in 11 years, their reign of dominance has only been interrupted by the Stephon Marbury-led Beijing Ducks. To combat their nemesis, they’ve signed up the uber-athletic Mudiay. Before the 6-foot-5 point guard begins his NBA career next year, he’ll be asked to do what current NBA players Aaron Brooks and Royal Ivey weren’t able to do with Guangdong and stop 'Starbury.' The regular season means nothing. It’s all about Guangdong-Beijing III in the playoffs.
// Guangdong Southern Tigers play at Dongguan Arena, inside Dongguan Stadium, 3 Tiyu Lu, Nancheng District, Dongguan 东莞市南城区体育路3号 (0769-2246 1509)
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