Du Feng stepped down from China men’s basketball head coach to lead the team and won the World Cup qualification for three years
BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) — On the 16th, China Basketball Association announced that Du Feng would no longer be the head coach of China’s men’s basketball. Since he took office in November, 2019, Du Feng has served in this position for three years. In the unfinished 2023 men’s basketball World Cup qualifier, the Chinese team temporarily ranked second in the group with 8 wins and 2 losses, and has locked the seats in the 2023 men’s basketball World Cup, completed the task of building a “bridgehead” to impact the Paris Olympic Games.
For the Paris Olympic Games cycle, the State General Administration of Sports and the Chinese Basketball Association pay special attention from top to bottom. In order to adapt to the major changes in the qualifications of the Olympic Games, it is imperative that the head coaches of all levels of men and women’s basketball national teams are specialized.
The national team is the traction of the development of Chinese basketball, while clubs and professional league matches are the talent pool and energy source of Chinese basketball, and both need to devote themselves to it. During the three years when Du Feng coached the national team, Hongyuan club attached great importance to and fully supported the work of the national team, but Du Feng was also irreplaceable for the Guangdong Southern Tigers men’s basketball under reconstruction. In this regard, the Chinese Basketball Association communicated with Du Feng and the Guangdong Southern Tigers club and reached a consensus. He will focus on the construction of the club.
The Chinese Basketball Association fully affirmed Du Feng’s coaching. He was appointed in danger, showing his patriotism and responsibility as an excellent coach and former national hand. Looking back on the FIFA World Cup qualification battle cycle in the past three years, facing many uncertain restrictions and unprecedented tests brought by the epidemic, Du Feng rushed ahead with rigorous working attitude and lofty professional spirit, the unity and style construction of the team were put in the first place. The team was bumpy all the way, facing difficulties and giving up without saying anything. They did their best to lead the Chinese men’s basketball to maintain their tenacious fighting capacity and cohesion.
Du Feng said that no matter as a player or head coach, being able to fight for the country is the most precious experience and the highest honor. Thanks to the strong support of the Chinese Basketball Association, all members of men’s basketball and all sectors of society, we will continue to make efforts to contribute to Chinese basketball in the future. (Finished)