Head coach Yang Ming of Liaoning Flying Leopards gestures during the 2022-2023 season playoffs semifinal match between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Shenyang of north China's Liaoning Province, on April 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Liaoning Flying Leopards head coach Yang Ming expressed relief as the club claimed their second consecutive league title.
by sportswriters Cao Yibo, Wu Bowen, Ren Yichen
SHENYANG, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Concluding the 2022-23 season with a 4-0 clean sweep against Zhejiang in the Chinese Basketball Association Finals, the Liaoning Flying Leopards secured their second consecutive league trophy. The club's head coach, Yang Ming, expressed relief as the extended season ended.
GROWTH THROUGH GRINDING
"This season was filled with uncertainties, but our team persevered to clinch the title," Yang said to Xinhua, "It's been an invaluable experience for everyone."
Being the defending champion, the Flying Leopards confronted challenges from longstanding rivals, the Guangdong Southern Tigers and the Zhejiang Lions, in addition to emerging teams like the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and the Shenzhen Aviators. The club found it increasingly difficult to defend its title during the regular season's third phase low ebb, and with key players Han Dejun and Guo Ailun sidelined due to injuries.
"Liaoning is a mature team with experienced players," Yang mentioned, "After each game, we review and make detailed summaries concerning technique, tactics, attitude, and motivation."
Coach of Liaoning Flying Leopards Yang Ming (L) gestures during the 29th round match between Shandong Heroes and Liaoning Flying Leopards at the 2022-2023 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, March 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)
PRESSURE AND PASSION
Liaoning, without a doubt, has attracted significant attention compared to other teams in the league. The majority of their away games see energetic Liaoning fans cheering, which places a considerable yet "sweet" pressure on Yang Ming.
"The admiration for Liaoning isn't merely because of winning games, but due to the tenacious attitude of contesting every possession and never surrendering," the 37-year-old coach shared, "As a coach, my duty is to focus on details and strategies, shoulder the pressure, and inspire my players to give their all without concerns."
Head coach Yang Ming of Liaoning Flying Leopards gestures during the 33rd round match between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Shandong Heros at the 2022-2023 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
HOLD FAST AND CARRY ON
In the absence of key player Guo Ailun in the Finals due to injury, point guard Zhao Jiwei stepped up, providing a spark to the offense and reinvigorating the game, earning commendation from his coach.
"When Jiwei was on the court, my colleagues and I felt reassured," Yang said. "His FMVP is well-deserved."
Looking ahead, Yang aims to extend the careers of veterans through regimented training and injury control while hoping young players can quickly rise to take the team's future reins. Yang revealed plans to focus on recruiting young talent this summer to deepen the bench.
"We've established a competitive environment. Young players will vie for positions, with selections based on their performance and team needs," Yang stated.
"People often discuss our strong fourth-quarter performance and how we turn deficits into victories. The secret is to fight for every ball and never concede. When people think we're set to lose, Liaoning always finds a surge of energy. That's the Liaoning spirit, and I hope we never lose it." ■
