by sportswriters Li Bowen, Lin Deren, Wang Haoyu
BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- As a rising star of the post-2000 generation in Chinese basketball, Xu Jie, the Guangdong Southern Tigers guard, has made a significant impact in his professional career.
Despite his relatively short stature of 1.79 meters, he has established himself as a force in the world of basketball, thanks to his hard work and determination.
Since joining the Guangdong team in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 2018, Xu has quickly risen to prominence, helping secure three league championships early in his career. His on-court prowess has also led to his representation of China in various international competitions, marking him as both a skilled player and a national asset.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua during the 2024 CBA All-Star Weekend, Xu Jie shared his insights and aspirations for the future. He acknowledged that his height may be a disadvantage but emphasized that it can also be turned into an advantage through hard work and dedication. "Being short may have its challenges, but it also forces you to be faster, have a wider shooting range, and constantly improve in all aspects of your game," Xu said.
The success of smaller guards like Tremont Waters of Puerto Rico and Yuki Kawamura of Japan in the 2023 FIBA World Cup underscores Xu's belief that height isn't the sole determinant of success in basketball. Attributes such as speed, agility, and shooting prowess are equally vital.
This season, Xu Jie has had the opportunity to learn from Waters, who joined Guangdong as an overseas player. Xu has embraced the chance to learn from Waters, particularly in dribbling and shooting.
"I still have a lot to learn, but I'm always looking for ways to improve my game," Xu said.
With the departure of veterans Yi Jianlian, Zhou Peng, and Zhao Rui, Xu, alongside his younger teammates, has assumed a greater leadership role within Guangdong. This transition has necessitated a more vocal presence on the court and a readiness to shoulder more responsibility.
"We need to speak up, communicate more, and take ownership of our roles on the court," Xu said. "It's about stepping up and making a difference."
Despite experiencing some inconsistencies this season, Xu remains resolute in his goals and dedicated to enhancing his performance. He understands the necessity of delivering a high-quality performance in every match and collaborates closely with his teammates towards achieving collective success. ■
