Bayi Rockets out in first round for first time ever

After a devastating CBA-playoff loss to the Liaoning Hunters on Tuesday, Bayi Rockets head coach Adijiang refuses to throw in the towel, saying his team can regain the title next season.

Bayi bowed to Liaoning three games to one after losing 95-84 on Tuesday. It was the first time in the CBA's 12-year history that Bayi failed to get through the first round. Its sixth-place finish in the regular season was also the worst result in franchise history.

"We won't give up," said Adijiang, who has coached the team to four CBA titles. "This is not the end of the world. I am sure we have what it takes to win back the trophy next season.

"We didn't lose our spirit and I am proud of my players because they fought until the last second of the series. We will make some changes in the offseason and make the best preparations for the 2008 season."

The military team has won eight championships, three runners-up and once third place in the league's history.

Bayi was widely thought to be the No 1 title contender after Yi Jianlian left archrival Guangdong Hongyuan for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.

But Bayi found it hard to keep up the momentum it had before. It suffered a franchise-worst regular season with a 16-12 win-loss record. State media associate its slump to the CBA regulation that military teams cannot hire overseas players.

Liaoning's Nigerian player Olumide Oyedeji dominated the paint with 25 points and 15 rebounds and limited former Dallas Mavericks player Wang Zhizhi to 14 points.

But Adijiang said Bayi's lack of ocerseas players was not the problem.

"We don't have overseas big men but we have talented young players," he said. "I am happy to see the kids coming up. I was impressed by the power and desire they showed during this tough season. I am sure they will be the backbone of the team in the future."

China Daily

(China Daily 01/24/2008 page23)