China National Basketball Team, known as “Team Dragon,” is the official representative of the People’s Republic of China in international basketball. More than just a collection of athletes, the team embodies national pride and has become a powerful symbol of the country’s rise in the global sporting arena. Governed by the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), both the men’s and women’s teams have forged a legacy of dominance and excellence.
Men’s National Basketball Team: A Continental Dynasty
The men’s team is a perennial powerhouse in Asian basketball, having established a dynasty that has inspired a generation of fans. They hold an unmatched record of success, consistently securing top honors in regional tournaments and demonstrating their strength on the world stage.
Current Roster:
- Guards: Zhao Jiwei, Zhao Rui, Hu Mingxuan, Liao Sanning, Gao Shiyan, Xu Jie, Cui Yongxi
- Forwards: Zeng Fanbo, Zhu Junlong, Zhang Ning, Lei Meng, Abudushalamu Abudurexiti, Du Runwang, Fu Hao, Wang Ruize
- Centers: Hu Jinqiu, Yu Jiahao, Yang Hansen, Zhou Qi, Wang Lanqing
Achievements:
- FIBA Asia Cup: The team holds a record 16 gold medals, including a legendary streak of 11 consecutive titles from 1975 to 2005.
- Asian Games: The men’s team has won eight gold medals, with an impressive run of five consecutive titles from 1986 to 1998.
- Olympic Games: China has a strong history of reaching the Olympic quarterfinals, with their best finishes of 8th place in both the 1996 and 2008 Olympics.
Women’s National Basketball Team: A Global Contender
The women’s national team is a global contender, consistently achieving success in international competitions and earning a reputation for skill and resilience. They have brought home medals from the highest levels of the sport, including the Olympics and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Current Roster:
- Guards: Li Yuan, Yang Shuyu, Yang Liwei, Wang Siyu, Li Meng
- Forwards: Huang Sijing, Luo Xinyu, Jia Saiqi, Zhai Ruoyun, Zhang Ru, Pan Zhenqi
- Centers: Han Xu, Li Yueru, Zhang Ziyu
Enduring Achievements:
- Olympic Games: The team has a proud history of medaling at the Olympics, with a silver medal in 1992 and a bronze medal in 1984.
- FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup: They have consistently been a top-tier competitor, earning two silver medals in 1994 and 2022, and a bronze medal in 1983.
- FIBA Women’s Asia Cup: The women’s team has also been a powerhouse in its regional tournament, winning 12 gold medals to date.
Icons and Legends
The legacy of Chinese basketball is built upon the shoulders of remarkable athletes who became national heroes. On the men’s side, Yao Ming transcended the sport, becoming a global icon whose NBA career inspired a new generation. He stood alongside pioneers like Wang Zhizhi and Mengke Bateer, who paved the way for Chinese players in the NBA. On the women’s team, towering centers like Zheng Haixia and Han Xu, and skilled leaders like Miao Lijie, have defined eras of success and continue to inspire players with their skill and determination.
