Liaoning VS Vladivostok Preview: Han Deguang Leads the Challenge Against Russian Powerhouse, Liaoning Seeks to End Losing Streak

On August 31st, the China-Europe Basketball Champions Cup continues with a match between Liaoning and Vladivostok.

Although several championship-winning players from the Liaoning men’s basketball team are not participating in this China-Europe Basketball Champions Cup, key players such as Han Deguang, Li Xiaoxu, and Yan Shouqi are leading the team. Overall, it remains an interesting matchup, especially since forward Zhao Lvyou has recovered to a high level of physical condition after a season of integration, making his outside shooting very threatening. Young players like Li Huyi, Zhang Junhao, and Zhang Chenzhifeng have also received significant playing time. In the past two games, their performance was commendable. In their first game, Liaoning narrowly defeated Osijek 63-58, and they lost by just three points after a full four quarters against the main squad of Zhejiang men’s basketball team.

In this match against the newly crowned Russian champions Vladivostok, if they can effectively utilize their advantage in the paint to break through, they stand a good chance of winning. The key lies in how the coaching staff determines the playing time for core players like Han Deguang and Li Xiaoxu.

Vladivostok earned the right to participate in the 2024-2025 VTB United League by winning the Russian Super League. This summer, in preparation for the VTB United League, they continuously strengthened their roster by signing outstanding players from clubs like CSKA Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.

However, in this China-Europe Basketball Champions Cup, Vladivostok’s lineup seems more focused on training. They narrowly beat Zhejiang men’s basketball team 77-75 in their first game but suffered an unexpected 18-point defeat to Osijek in the second game, causing fans to once again question their attitude towards this tournament.

Now heading into the third game, with both teams currently at 1-1, Liaoning is likely to be more motivated to win, particularly the veterans like Han Deguang and Li Xiaoxu who did not play much in previous games. Playing at home should further inspire the local players’ fighting spirit and determination. With the completion of the new season’s roster for Liaoning men’s basketball team, this is also one of the few opportunities for many young players to gain significant playing time and experience.

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