New coach aims for net gains

The training camp was a tune-up for Team China before two qualifiers — against Kazakhstan on Feb 23 and Iran three days later in Hong Kong — although China has already advanced into the World Cup finals from earlier qualifying rounds.

As a proven success in international basketball, Djordjevic's appointment by the CBA was considered a desperate move amid high expectations across the country to change the fortunes of the Chinese program in time for the ultimate test this summer — the quadrennial FIBA flagship tournament. Team China will vie with Asian neighbors for the only direct qualification spot for next year's Paris Olympics.

Despite his rich experience and international expertise, Djordjevic doesn't have time on his side with only half a year to remodel Team China with his input before the Cup tips off in August.

Yet, he's not going to lower the ambition whatsoever.

"My biggest goal is to make everybody feel that we can play against each and every team in the World Cup," said the 55-year-old former Serbian national team guard.

"Be assured that every game we're going to go and play is to win. Going with 100 percent even if we're not going to win all the games."

After retiring in 2005, Djordjevic continued his winning momentum on the sideline as he coached Serbia to silver medals at the inaugural edition of World Cup in 2014 (formerly the world championships), the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2017 EuroBasket.