A changing of the guard

As Guangdong reclaims its crown, it marks end of an era in epic, decadelong rivalry with Liaoning

By LI YINGXUE in Dongguan | China Daily Global | Updated: 2025-11-14 09:29

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Han Dejun of Liaoning (top) brought the curtain down on a title-filled 18-year career after his side's exit from the National Games, while Zhao Rui of Guangdong, as a core member of the current national team roster, is now carrying the baton for Chinese basketball. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY/XINHUA

Farewell to a captain

Embodying all of those values, with two National Games titles and four CBA championships to his name, Liaoning captain Han chose the 15th National Games to close the final chapter of his 18-year professional journey — a farewell both personal and emblematic of the end of an era.

As Liaoning's captain, he led his teammates in cleaning the players' locker room after all matches concluded. "I want to stand my last post well," he said, "and leave the Liaoning team for the National Games in the best possible way."

Teammate Gao Shiyan expressed deep admiration: "Playing with him for so many years, he's more than a teammate, he's a brother. Even at 38, he fights so hard on the court, inspiring the entire team — he's our role model."

Zhou Qi, Han's former teammate and an opponent in the bronze-medal match with Sichuan, also sent his best wishes: "I can only wish him well, hoping he enjoys life even more now that there are no more games."

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