Zhejiang vs Tianjin Preview: Two-Straight Losses Face Off Against Two-Straight Losses – Can Cooper Step Up and Lead Tianjin to a Timely Turnaround?

On the afternoon of August 18, the CBA Summer League Fuzhou Station will continue with Zhejiang Chouzhou facing off against Tianjin Men’s Basketball Team. Tianjin Men’s Basketball Team had previously won three consecutive games in the summer league by defeating Shanxi Men’s Basketball Team, but subsequently lost to Xinjiang and Shenzhen consecutively, currently suffering from two straight losses. They made some adjustments to their roster over the summer, renewing the contract with David James, who played all games last season and performed outstandingly. James played all 52 regular-season games last season, averaging 26.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 49%. However, after the end of the CBA season, James is currently participating in the Puerto Rican league, where he continues his excellent form. Upon his return for the new season, he should be able to integrate seamlessly. At present, Tianjin Men’s Basketball Team has confirmed its three foreign player slots, which are David James, DJ Cooper, and LeVontae Waithe. Cooper has already joined the team for the preseason league. As an undrafted player in the NBA 2013 draft, he played in the French league last season, appearing in 23 games and averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. However, fans are not optimistic about Tianjin’s choice of an organizing foreign player. Last season, Tianjin Men’s Basketball Team narrowly missed out on the playoffs, but they have grown and are no longer an easy target. Their goal for the new season is naturally to advance and strive for the playoffs. In the first game at the Fuzhou Station, Tianjin Men’s Basketball Team lost 85-101 to Xinjiang, with four players scoring in double digits. Zhang Yunmeng scored the highest with 19 points, Shi Deshuai added 18 points and 5 rebounds, while the highly anticipated Cooper shot 2-for-4 to score only 5 points, but contributed 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Tianjin controlled turnovers well, but was thoroughly defeated in rebounding against Xinjiang. In the previous game, Zhang Qingpeng faced off against Zhou Peng. As a young coach, Zhang Qingpeng suffered another defeat, with Tianjin Men’s Basketball Team losing 83-115 to Shenzhen. In this game, only three players scored in double digits. Zhang Yunmeng, who performed well against Xinjiang, and Shi Deshuai both struggled, with Zhang Yunmeng hitting 2-of-11 for just 5 points, and Shi Deshuai hitting 2-of-9 for also 5 points. Only Zheng Haoran maintained a good shooting touch, scoring the team-high 21 points. Cooper shot 3-for-5 to score 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists. He still prefers creating opportunities for the team, taking fewer shots, but fans would prefer to see a foreign player who can finish plays. After all, Tianjin’s shooting percentage was only 36% in this game. Tianjin is currently lacking scorers. In contrast, Shenzhen’s shooting percentage was as high as 55%, making it clear why Tianjin lost. Zhejiang Chouzhou lost their first two games to Shenzhen and Xinjiang with scores of 80-111 and 89-115 respectively. This summer, Zhejiang Chouzhou signed center Damian Jones, but he has yet to join the team. Jones has twice won championships with the NBA team Golden State Warriors and has played in multiple NBA teams, totaling 279 regular-season games and averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. It remains to be seen how effective he will be in the CBA. Last season, Zhejiang Chouzhou entered the playoffs as the third seed in the regular season, performing very well in the playoffs, advancing to the semi-finals after defeating Shanghai Men’s Basketball Team, but were eliminated 1-3 by Xinjiang in the semi-finals and missed the finals. In the first game of the summer league, Zhejiang Men’s Basketball Team lost to Shenzhen, losing 25 rebounds and shooting only 32% (26-of-79). Facing the well-performing Shenzhen team, Zhejiang Chouzhou clearly hadn’t adjusted to the rhythm of the game. Four players scored in double digits, Wu Qian scored the team-high 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, Li Yuezhou scored 16 points, and Liu Zeyi contributed 14 points and 7 assists. In the previous game against Xinjiang, Zhejiang also lost badly in rebounds and didn’t control turnovers well. Only Zhou Yishan had a good shooting hand, hitting 9-of-14 for a team-high 24 points and 5 rebounds. Wu Qian scored 14 points, and Li Yuezhou added 18 points and 6 rebounds. Only three players scored in double digits, while eight players from Xinjiang scored in double digits. Without any foreign players, Zhejiang Men’s Basketball Team faced a severe test. The results of the regular-season matchups last season do not serve as a reference. Both Zhejiang and Tianjin need to blend through the summer league, so the playing style and player form are key. Both teams are currently on a two-game losing streak. Who will turn things around? Let’s wait and see.

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