Shandong delights in youth brigade (2)

Combining for 24.7 points per game, the Ding-Li combo played a major role during the team's 15-game winning streak during the regular season while also taking pressure off the side's foreigners.

"These guys have come a long way," said Shandong's US forward Jackson Vroman. "When we were on a huge streak, they improved a lot. It took some time, but they will help forge a better team next year."

Their solid play during the regular season earned them major minutes during the CBA Finals, where they even impressed Guangdong's Lithuanian coach, Jonas Kazlauskas.

"I don't think there is a big gap between them and us. They have a lot of young talented players who have huge futures," said the former Chinese national coach.

Ding and Li attribute their improvement to the guidance of the team's foreign players, who have actively worked at building chemistry with their Chinese teammates on and off the court.

"He (Jeter) is a really helpful import to us," Ding said. "He never hesitates to point out our mistakes in practice and is always willing to teach us his skills."

Li echoed Ding's sentiments, stressing the foreigners' energy provided the motivation for them to play more aggressively.

"They always come out strong on the court so everybody on court feels like they just have to play harder and with more intensity," Li said.

Shandong has enjoyed a major change in fortunes, rising from the bottom five in the 2011-12 CBA season to this year's runner-up, however the youngsters now expect greater things.

"I will find a cabinet to store my silver medal this year, but I will leave a space beside it for showcasing something bigger," said Li, alluding to a championship medal.

Although they earned high praise, the decision-making of Ding and Li under pressure fell well short when compared to that of Guangdong's veterans Zhu Fangyu and Wang Shipeng, who both delivered in the Finals.

Also, the media are concerned Ding and Li might hit a wall next season as opponents come into games better prepared for them.

"We just want to shoulder more responsibility for the team now and we are not going to rest in the offseason. Hopefully, we can come back stronger next season," Ding said.

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