Liaoning Media Review of New Foreign Players: Sykes Shines, Achuil Falls Short

On September 24th, the Liaoning media “Shenyang Daily” published an article reviewing the overall performance of the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the preseason games, with a particular focus on the new foreign players, Sykes and Achuil, as well as Zhao Luchuan’s performances. The following is an excerpt from the article:

Newcomer Sykes Shines

Without having participated in any pre-game training sessions with the team, Sykes scored 14 points and 17 points respectively in two games, particularly standing out against the strongest opponent, Beijing Ducks, where he achieved the highest score, demonstrating excellent form. This new player not only possesses outstanding individual abilities but also shows good chemistry with his new teammates, displaying a strong adaptability.

The purpose of Liaoning’s recruitment of Sykes was clear—to make up for the gap left by Guo Ailun’s departure. In limited playing time over two games, Sykes demonstrated a comprehensive ability to play both inside and outside. Especially in the game against Beijing Ducks, he made 3 out of 5 three-pointers and showed diverse offensive skills, including drives and steady mid-range shots. Standing at 1.98 meters tall, Sykes is taller and more physically robust than Guo Ailun, with significantly stronger offensive capabilities. Additionally, this versatile player can play both shooting guard and small forward positions, enriching Liaoning’s tactical combinations for the new season. From the two preseason games, the newly arrived Sykes has impressed, and it is believed that with further training before the season and practical experience during the league matches, this new player will play an increasingly significant role in the team.

Center Achuil Lacks Toughness

In contrast to Sykes, center Achuil was highly anticipated by the entire team, hoping that he could replace Morand and bolster Liaoning’s interior presence. However, based on the three preseason games, Achuil’s performance fell short of expectations. As a national teammate of Sykes, Achuil stands at 2.13 meters tall, and Liaoning hoped he could play a bigger role offensively than Morand. In three preseason games, Achuil scored 8, 16, and 6 points respectively. In the crucial game against Beijing Ducks, he only managed 6 points. During the games, it was evident that Achuil lacked toughness in physical confrontations, lacking the aggressive spirit that Morand displayed, especially on defense. Currently, while Achuil possesses the ability to play back-to-the-basket and mid-range shots offensively, he hasn’t reached Morand’s level defensively, which is a very important aspect.

Zhao Luchuan Emerges as a Key Player at the Three Spot

Among domestic players, Zhao Luchuan performed the best in the three preseason games. Against Shenzhen, he scored the highest 20 points; against Ningbo, Zhao Luchuan shot 7 out of 8, scoring the highest 23 points; and against Beijing Ducks, due to limited playing time, he scored 8 points. Beyond the three-point line, Zhao Luchuan regained his former confidence, hitting 10 three-pointers across three games, including 4 out of 5 in the game against Ningbo, with an 80% shooting rate. Not only did he score multiple times by breaking into the paint, but he also did a great job protecting rebounds, showcasing a comprehensive performance reminiscent of his time with the national three-on-three basketball team.