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China's "NBA" Coming on
The 2000-2001 games of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) were launched last weekend. Twelve strong teams started a new round of CBA wars. Considering the coming Ninth National Games in 2001, all of the clubs dispatched new players to the games, which presented a new scene in the new season for games.
Bayi Rockets, Shanghai Sharks, Guangdong Hongyuan and Shandong Runjie still hold the places in the first group of the CBA. Bayi Rockets will continue its domain under the direction of Wang Fei, coach back from the NBA. Shanghai Sharks, the runner-up of the last season, is the strongest team to contend with the Rockets. Especially the contest between the "little giant", pivot Yao Ming, and the Asian first outshone Wang Zhizhi will become a selling point in the new season.
The third winner of the games will either be Guangdong Hongyuan or Shandong Runjie. "The South Tiger" Hongyuan, which will continue to keep its characteristics of quick reaction, is hopefully to rank among the top three. However, it should not treat Shandong Runjie lightly.
In sharp contrast to the first group, Shuangxing Jijun and Shenbu Anshan, the two teams just removed from Division B, will try to maintain their ranks in the games of Division A.
Nevertheless, the biggest suspense of the CBA games in the new season will be the competition for the top eight. Striving for top four is the principal task of Beijing (Shougang) Capital Steel. Jilin Henghe, the 10th in the last season, will throw the weight of northeast tigers in a serial of defending games. Besides, Qianwei Aoshen, Liaoning Panpan, Zhejiang Wanma and Jiangsu Dragons are expected to break into the top eight.
Bayi Rockets and Shanghai Sharks knocked in the opening game of the new season on Saturday night in Shanghai, which unfolded the four-month competition between the 12 teams. Yao Ming led Shanghai to oust Bayi by 100-95.
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