The Chinese men's basketball team previously defeated the Japanese team twice and ranked third in Group B. Men's Basketball World Cup Qualifier Australia VS China live broadcast on CCTV5 at 16:40 today.

■On November 28 last year, Chinese team players Guo Ailun (middle) shot in a match against the Japanese men's basketball team. Previously, the Chinese men's basketball team had two wins over the Japanese team, ranking third in Group B. This is the team's first appearance in a major competition after a long time, and this Chinese men's basketball team shoulders the important task of rebuilding the glory of men's basketball , so every step needs to be down-to-earth. In this game, the Chinese team coach Du Feng will have a battle with his former partner Gore. What kind of sparks will be created in the confrontation between the two old acquaintances? We'll see.

■New Express reporter Gao Jing

Defenders gathered together to test their skills

According to the rules of this World Cup preliminaries, the 16 participating teams were divided into 4 groups, and a total of 12 teams will advance to the second stage of the qualifiers.

As the hosts of next year’s World Cup, Japan and the Philippines have directly advanced to the second round. In addition, the competitions of other groups started earlier, and currently 9 teams have locked in the qualifications for the next stage.

The Chinese men's basketball team has previously defeated the Japanese team twice and ranks third in Group B. The team will next play two games with Australia and Chinese Taipei . I believe that after this window period, the Chinese team will enter the next stage.

At that time, the 12 qualifying teams will be divided into two groups and compete in August, November and February next year until there are 6 teams that advance to next year's World Cup.

Before heading to Australia, the Chinese men's basketball team conducted a month-long training camp in Guangzhou. The preparations for this game were very systematic. According to team member Hu Mingxuan , most of the national team has practiced twice a day during this month, and the daily training time can even reach 7 hours.

It should be noted that there are 6 guards in the 14-man roster of the Chinese men's basketball team this time, and the forward staff seems to be stretched due to Zhang Zhenlin going to the United States for special training and Zhou Peng being injured. Therefore, this method of selection has aroused heated discussion from the outside world. Du Feng has previously stated that the team's defenders can play as a guest at the 2 or 3 position.

In fact, in the international arena where small ball is becoming more and more popular, it is not uncommon for defenders to serve as forwards. Hu Mingxuan believes that this is a different opportunity for outside players. They must actively compete, learn physical confrontation, and adapt and improve according to the opponent's situation.

In addition, the Chinese men's basketball team's main insider Zhou Qi played in the Australian League last season. This time playing in Melbourne is also a reporting performance for Zhou Qi. I hope he can show his strength.

Firepower for Asian Cup "Reconnaissance"

Speaking of which, the Chinese team's schedule this time is very intensive, and the team has to play 4 games in 5 days. Australia, the

team's first match, is a truly world-leading team. The team won a bronze medal in last year's Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking of which, Australian team coach Gore is an old acquaintance of Chinese fans. He has coached in CBA for many years and also partnered with Du Feng in the Guangdong team. The two sides are very familiar with each other. This battle between old friends is also a highlight of the game.

According to the list announced by the Australian team, although there are no top players playing for NBA, the team still has stars such as Dellavedova and Thorne Make that are familiar to Chinese fans.

From the overall strength point of view, this Australian team can be regarded as the country’s second team at best, but from the perspective of the Chinese men’s basketball team, the team is likely to meet this team again in the Asian Cup, so this time the World Cup preliminaries are also A good opportunity to "reconnaissance" fire. Before

left for Melbourne, Du Feng wrote on social media: "We know that the road ahead will not be smooth, but I firmly believe that in the face of any challenges and difficulties, the Chinese men's basketball team will take national honor as its own responsibility and never give up or shrink back. , and never stop."

Overview of the 14-man roster of the Chinese men's basketball team

Guo Ailun, Zhao Jiwei , Fu Hao , Zhao Rui , Hu Mingxuan, Xu Jie , Sun Minghui , Zhou Qi, Shen Zijie , Wang Zhelin , Gu Quan , Ren Junwei , Zhu Junlong , Lu Wenbo

China Men's Basketball World Cup Preliminary Schedule

Date and Time vs.

6:40 on June 30 Australia VS China

7.1 15:10 China VS Chinese Taipei

7.3 Day 16:40 China VS Australia