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Teen stars sparkle at youth camp

By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-14 07:29

BEIJING - Having discovered giants under the rim, including Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, Chinese basketball is now seeking equivalents in the backcourt.

The just-ended 2011 Li-Ning basketball youth training camp, which featured special programs for teenage guards, provided a great platform for the nation's future backcourt stars.

After the one-week clinic, which concluded with an All-Star Game on Wednesday, Under-16 national team playmaker Zhao Jiwei, from Liaoning, won the best player award at the camp, while Zhejiang youth team's Li Bin, 16, claimed the All-Star Game's MVP.

Zhao, who led China's junior team to victory at an Under-16 international tournament in Turkey in February, praised the camp's role in assisting young guards through "tough competition".

"I felt my improvement during the camp, especially on organizing the team while moving. It (the camp) was pretty competitive here, and the challenges made us play harder. Hopefully, I can play for the senior squad as soon as possible," said Zhao, who averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 assists and 3.6 steals during the Turkey tournament.

Although Zhao shone among the 57 teenagers participating in the camp, legendary guard Adijiang's son, Arslan, drew the most attention and expectations are that he will emulate his father's success.

Dubbed China's "magic" guard, Adijiang, 43, guided the Bayi Rockets to five consecutive titles in the domestic league from 1995-2000 and led China to top-eight finishes at the 1994 World Championship and 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Arslan, 15, whose sharp cuts to the basket and soft lay-ups remind fans of his father, is proud to follow in those footsteps, saying: "China's best guard was my father".

"I enjoyed watching his games. He is pretty busy as a coach now and doesn't have much time to guide me. But I have learned a lot from this camp. No matter, win or lose, I feel good," said Arslan, whose team lost in the All-Star Game.

The youth training camp was in its sixth consecutive year and is a combined effort of the Chinese Basketball Association and Li-Ning.

China Daily

(China Daily 05/14/2011 page16)