On August 15, China's men's basketball team lost 72-91 to Uruguay, and the players were downcast. Compared with their clash two days earlier, the Chinese team's performance was far worse. Forward Li Hongquan said after the match that the opponent's will to win was firmer than China's, that China made many turnovers and needs to review and prepare for the next game.
The match was a men's basketball warm-up played in Foshan, Guangdong. Next, the second phase of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers begins on August 27, with China facing Qatar and Lebanon in turn. Having managed only 3 wins and 3 losses in the first phase, China must perform better in the second to earn direct qualification for the World Cup.
Warm-up games before official competition are therefore crucial. By adjusting form, rehearsing tactics and preparing for adversity, China's men's basketball met South American powerhouse Uruguay — a team of strong overall ability whose tactical discipline and physical intensity resemble the West Asian opponents China is about to face, making for a rare high-quality warm-up.
The differing results across the two games came down in part to the referees' varying whistles. In the first game, officials repeatedly interrupted Uruguay's rhythm, drawing dissatisfaction from the opponent and fans. Fans broadly resent the 'home-court whistle,' worried such dependence will hurt China's performance on the international stage. In the second game, referees no longer 'stole the show,' yet China committed 18 turnovers, its offense stalled, its defense was full of holes, and its mood dipped when playing from behind.
China's basketball environment in international games is far from friendly, and in some games the team is even targeted by referees. In that context, China's men's basketball must end its reliance on the 'home-court whistle' and grow used to playing under high-pressure, adverse conditions, so it can show its true strength and level on the world stage.
Per the schedule, China's men's basketball will challenge Qatar away on August 28 (Beijing time) and return home to host Lebanon on August 31. Both games will be very difficult: Qatar fields naturalized player Goodwin, and Lebanon has interior import Lawson. Moreover, Qatar and Lebanon may field newly naturalized players in the second phase.
