Because this opening-round matchup featured two bottom-tier teams from the previous season, CBA official broadcast networks didn’t assign their marquee commentary teams, opting instead to give younger talent a chance.
However, one figure in the broadcast booth immediately drew the attention of players and viewers alike: former Chinese national team legend Li Nan, who had transitioned to color commentary following his retirement in 2009.
Known for his professional insights and sharp tactical awareness, Li Nan brought a direct, authoritative tone to the broadcast.
Beside him sat twenty-two-year-old co-host Zhang Ke, a former model whose engaging screen presence balanced Li Nan’s analytical style.
“Director Li,” Zhang Ke asked, glancing at her senior with a curious expression as the camera framed them in a tight close-up, “what did you make of Wang Zhelin’s explosive pre-game dunks just now?” Li Nan smiled slightly.
“On the surface, those dunks were pure fan service—showing off his terrifying athleticism and raw physical power.
But on a deeper level, he was establishing dominance.” “Establishing dominance?” Zhang Ke echoed, wide-eyed.
“Exactly,” Li Nan explained.
“As a seventeen-year-old rookie making his professional debut, he needs to plant his flag early and command respect on the floor.
With those dunks, he sent a clear message to Shanxi’s frontcourt that he isn’t intimidated.” While the commentary duo set the scene, both starting five lineups were officially introduced: Fujian Sturgeons: Xie Yacai (PG), Gong Songlin (SG), Zhao Tailong (SF), Zaid Abbas (PF), Wang Zhelin (C).
Shanxi Brave Dragons: Lu Xiaoming (PG), Duan Jiangpeng (SG), Zhang Xuewen (SF), Charles Dennis (PF), Shang Ping (C).
During the warmups, King had quietly scanned the opposing roster with his system analysis.
Shanxi’s highest-rated players were their two foreign imports: power forward Charles Dennis with an overall rating of 54, and swingman Marcus Williams with a rating of 57.
Aside from their imports, not a single domestic player on Shanxi broke the 50-rating mark—even their captain and sharpshooter, Duan Jiangpeng, stood at just 48.
Against an average CBA frontline, Shanxi might have held their ground.
But King was already playing on a completely different level.
By late October, his overall rating had crossed 60, putting him at fringe NBA rotation quality.
With his recent training, his lower body strength had reached 81 and his upper body strength hit 78, bumping his overall system rating up to 63.
In the current CBA environment, a 217 cm center with elite post strength, 11-inch hands, and a calibrated mid-range jumper was practically a prime-era Shaquille O’Neal with floor spacing—a terrifying prospect for any opponent.
Prrrtt!
The referee blew the whistle and tossed the ball into the air at center court.
King leaped effortlessly, using his superior reach and vertical leap to slap the tip-off clean into the backcourt.
The ball fell safely into the hands of Zhao Tailong.
The moment King’s feet touched the hardwood, he didn’t wait for a slow half-court set.
He immediately accelerated down court, cutting past Shanxi’s retreating defense.
As Zhao Tailong crossed half-court, King raised his right hand, pointing straight to the rafters.
Having built chemistry over two weeks of intense practice, Zhao Tailong recognized the signal instantly.
Stepping to the top of the key, he launched a lofted pass toward the glass.
The basketball arced through the air right into the path of a leaping King.
Catching the ball with both hands above the cylinder, King cocked his arms back and hammered down an authoritative alley-oop slam!
BOOM!
2–0!
“What an opening statement!” Zhang Ke exclaimed into her microphone.
“An alley-oop slam right out of the gate!
Fujian is coming out with tremendous energy!” “A flawless execution,” Li Nan added.
“They caught Shanxi flat-footed in transition.” High-fiving Zhao Tailong on his way back, King sprinted into defensive position.
On the other side, Shanxi’s American import, Charles Dennis, felt his temper flare.
A former EuroLeague player, Dennis carried a sharp ego in the CBA, accustomed to dominating domestic defenders.
“Lu, give me the ball!” Dennis barked at point guard Lu Xiaoming.
“I’m taking it right back!” Lu Xiaoming hesitated, looking over at team captain Duan Jiangpeng.
Duan clenched his fists in silent frustration but nodded.
In this era of the CBA, most franchises relied almost entirely on foreign imports to carry the offense, often leaving young domestic players to play secondary roles.
Receiving the entry pass at the elbow, Dennis waved his teammates away to set up an isolated post-up against Zhao Tailong.
Zhao (rated 44) fought hard to stay in front, but Dennis used a quick crossover to breach the perimeter, driving hard toward the lane.
“Is this Chinese defense?” Dennis sneered as he blew past his defender.
“I’ve faced tighter pressure in pickup games!” Gathering his stride inside the paint, Dennis elevated toward the rim, preparing to unleash a thunderous dunk to avenge Fujian’s opening play.
Suddenly, a massive shadow enveloped him from behind.
Before Dennis could finish his elevation, a pair of huge, 11-inch hands met the basketball at the apex.
King didn’t just slap the ball away—he snatched it directly out of Dennis’s hands mid-air with raw, overpowering strength!
A clean, violent snatch block!
Dennis landed off-balance, staring in complete disbelief as King secured the rebound in mid-air and landed firmly on his feet, holding the basketball tightly in his hands.
PLAYER PROFILE & SYSTEM METRICS Name: Wang Zhelin (King) Team: Fujian Quanzhou Bank First Team Age: 17 | Position: Center Height: 213 cm barefoot (~7’0″) / 217 cm in shoes (~7’1.5″) Weight: 115 kg (~253 lbs) | Wingspan: 228 cm (~7’5.8″) ATTRIBUTES & RATING UPDATE Lower Body Strength: 81 (Passed 80 Threshold) Upper Body Strength: 78 ↑ Mid-Range Shooting: 50 Close Range / Post Touch: 65 Dunking: 62 OVERALL RATING: 63 ↑ (Fringe NBA Rotation / CBA Elite Dominance)