CHN – Latest China squad has Guangdong flavor

BEIJING (Olympics) - The excellent play of Guangdong’s title winning side was on Friday recognized by China coach Jonas Kazlauskas when he named several players in his national squad that is to begin intensive training next month ahead of the Olympics.

NBA rookie Yi Jianlian of the Milwaukee Bucks, a former Guangdong star, was also included as well as Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, despite the 7ft 6in center having just seen his season ended by a foot injury.

Neither would be able to join up with the team before the end of the season, anyway.

Du Feng, CBA MVP Zhu Fangyu, Wang Shipeng, Liu Xiaoyu, Chen Jianghua and Zhou Peng all captured the CBA crown this season and have been named in Kazlauskas’ group.

Mo Ke had played for the last four national sides in international tournaments but has been left out. Wang Zhizhi is on the list along with his Bayi team-mates Li Nan and Wang Lei.

Liu Wei and Xu Yong of Shanghai are included, as well as Beijing’s Sun Yue and Li Xiaoxu of CBA beaten finalists Liaoning.

Newcomers are Zhang Qingpeng (Liaoning), Zhang Kai (Dongguan) and Xu Yong (Shanghai).

Jiangsu reached the play-off semi-finals but have had no players selected.

Changes can still be made to the Olympic squad, though.

The Basketball Management Center's deputy chief officer Hu Jiashi said:"After some time, there will be minor changes. 

“The players who didn't get the chance this time don't need to be frustrated.” 

FIBA