Jilin vs. Liaoning Preview: Jones Set to Return, Can Jilin Secure a Win Against Liaoning for a Winning Streak?

On October 4th, the CBA preseason games continue in Huludao, with Liaoning facing off against Jilin.

Liaoning, last season’s league champions, have a very strong squad. During the off-season, they retained their core players and brought in Wang Lanqin, Aqur, and Shayuok, strengthening their frontcourt and wing positions. Players who left include Morand and Guo Ailun. It’s clear that Liaoning is aiming for the championship. Due to the new foreign player rules of seven appearances in four quarters, the advantage of Liaoning’s local players may be further expanded. However, it remains to be seen whether Aqur can adequately replace Morand’s role.

Liaoning has performed very well in the preseason, winning three out of four games. In their most recent match, Liaoning defeated Shandong 91-83. Although Zhao Jiwei and Zhang Zhenlin were absent, newcomer Wang Lanqin started and performed well, contributing 11 points and 4 assists. Liaoning fully integrated their team, with all 12 players seeing action, and all but Liu Yanyu scoring. Aqur went 4-for-4, scoring 9 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, while Shayuok struggled, hitting only 1 of 4 shots for 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Coming off the bench, Fugai led the team with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Han Dejun and Li Xiaoxu each scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Liaoning relied on their depth to secure victory.

However, when facing Beijing, a team with significant changes this season, Liaoning suffered a comeback loss, falling 67-69. Aqur struggled, going 1-for-6 for 6 points and 8 rebounds, while Fugai was absent. Shayuok scored 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, barely keeping them afloat. Earlier, against Ningbo, Aqur and Shayuok both scored in double digits. Yang Ming’s goal is clear: fully integrate the team during the preseason. However, it’s evident that Aqur and Shayuok are just barely passing in terms of competitive form and integration. With a few days left before the regular season begins, they must seize the remaining two preseason games.

Jilin finished 16th in the league last season with a record of 19 wins and 33 losses, missing the playoffs. They have sufficient offensive firepower but struggle defensively. During the off-season, the team made significant roster changes, bringing in new players like Lutubula (on loan from Xinjiang), Zhao Jiahao (drafted sixth overall), Chen Guanzhong (drafted), Peng Sen’ao (on loan from Shenzhen), and Zhang Hangyuan (promoted from the second team). In terms of foreign players, Jilin made major adjustments, releasing Peterson and signing Malik Newman, Blankley, Delph, and Jones. Jones’ return adds intrigue to Jilin’s new season. New head coach Zhong Cheng made some adjustments after taking over the team. Although their first two preseason games were disappointing, Jones’ return makes the roster more complete. We can look forward to Jilin making the playoffs this season.

In their first two preseason games, Jilin lost to Beikong and Shanxi, but in their last two games, they beat Guangxia and Tianjin. Against Guangxia, despite new foreign player Knight’s double-double of 27 points and 20 rebounds, five Jilin players scored in double digits, securing a win without any foreign players. In their most recent game, Jilin defeated Tianjin 92-87. Zheng Haoran of Tianjin scored 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Lin Tingqian added 21 points and 4 assists, but Jilin still dominated with five players scoring in double digits. Foreign player Newman contributed 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, Delph added 19 points and 8 rebounds, and Blankley came off the bench with 11 points and 4 rebounds. With multiple players performing excellently, Jilin defeated Tianjin, securing a two-game preseason winning streak.

Of course, Liaoning has historically dominated their matchups against Jilin. With Jilin’s current form, can they upset Liaoning in the preseason? It’s worth looking forward to.