Controversy Surrounding the CBA Draft! Media Figures: Second Highest Number Ever Selected, Yang Zheng Will Bring More Attention

The CBA draft took place on July 27, with Xie Zhijie, Wang Fanyi, and Wu Chao ranking in the top three positions. After the draft, many media figures engaged in discussions about this year’s draft.

“Three Soil Thorns”: In the 2024 draft, a total of 29 players were selected, which is the second highest number in history, coming second to the 30 players selected in 2021.

Out of these 29 players, 14 came from universities, 5 were from Taiwan, China, and 4 were self-registered. Among them, Yang Zheng was selected, marking a significant highlight (although it was not a secret).

Overall, it’s not a lack of respect for the players, but more of an observation that it seems like a selection process rather than a genuine assessment of talent. Let’s see how many of them can actually make it to the league.

Wang Shenwei: Given Yang Zheng’s status as a top figure in streetball circles, his decision to participate in the CBA draft must have involved considerable deliberation. Participating in the draft means transitioning to professional basketball, while being selected implies committing fully to training and competition. Although many have criticized the intensity of the CBA in recent years, professional basketball is entirely different from streetball or amateur leagues. Taking into account the 46 rounds of the regular season for the next season, the time span and density of the schedule are adjustments new professional players need to make.

Yang Zheng’s entry into the CBA will undoubtedly bring more attention to the entire league, particularly to the Sichuan team. His performance will also become a topic of discussion. If Yang Zheng quickly adapts to the CBA and proves himself, the trend of streetball players entering the CBA could become a new pathway. It might also provide a fresh perspective for future CBA drafts. However, if he doesn’t adapt well, Yang Zheng still has a fallback plan. His brand, including personal brands and endorsements, is well-established, which is why he dared to venture into this at the age of 30.

Xue Sijia: Shanghai Men’s Basketball Team chose not to pick in both rounds, indicating they have more than enough talent to nurture within their own ranks. They couldn’t find any strong immediate contributors with the picks available, which is understandable. Some teams prioritize immediate impact, others focus on potential, and some seek popularity. Each team is pursuing what suits them best.

Don’t Run Back Pig: Today’s draft was quite successful, possibly the most comprehensive in history. Beijing Guoan utilized all their draft picks, a commendable effort.