In this aspect, China’s young players are far behind, Jiang Xingquan is well aware of this.
So in the pre-game pep talk after the warm-up, Coach Jiang clearly told the players: "In this game, don’t try to play fast against Croatia. They are fast, let them be fast, we need to be steady. Slow down, calm down, play to our strengths, defend well, persist in defense. We need to wear them out, resolutely wear them out, and focus all our energy on defense!"
Jiang Xingquan didn’t say much about how to attack specifically. Actually, there’s no need to say it, everyone knows, just give the ball to Gan Guoyang.
The FIBA court is narrower, the three-point line is shorter, which allows Gan Guoyang to better leverage his shooting range.
This morning, after getting up, Gan Guoyang tried to avoid touching anything other than basketball to maintain the feel in his muscles.
As for the so-called "team victory," Gan Guoyang holds no illusions, it’s time to rely on his individual ability.
In fact, quite the opposite, when you have the mindset of "I’m gonna single-handedly crush the opponent," your teammates tend to perform beyond their capabilities.
Because you bear all the pressure, your teammates can contribute in the gaps, after all, these Chinese players are not just here for show.
Once you start thinking, "I need to lead my teammates, activate them," this game is doomed.
After all, aside from the BUG that is Gan Guoyang, the gap between China Team and Croatia Team is too big.
Those who have watched the group match between America and Croatia can see it clearly.
Fortunately, when there is a need for resolute courage and fierce charge, Gan Guoyang never hesitates, never falters.
The Olympic games aren’t filled with the flashy stuff like the NBA, after player introductions are complete, both sides prepare to play.
Gan Guoyang’s popularity remains high; countless fans in the stands wearing Trail Blazers black, red, and white No. 11 jerseys.
Not far from the bench, you can see the figures of the Chinese Women’s Basketball Team, they came to the scene to support the Men’s Basketball Team.
Among them is the giant of the Women’s Basketball Team, the absolute leader Zheng Hai Xia.
With Gan and Zheng as the inside presence, Chinese basketball can dominate this Olympic Games.
The starting lineup of China Team differs from the group matches.
The starting point guard has changed from Sun Fengwu to Adi Jiang.
Clearly, they value Adi Jiang’s stable handling ability.
As for offense, it’s not needed, the main thing is to get the ball steadily to Gan Guoyang.
The starting shooting guard has changed from Zhang Yongjun to Hu Weidong, who has demonstrated superior physical fitness and scoring talent compared to the average Chinese player in several matches.
He has excellent jumping ability, precise shooting skills, and is very daring to take shots and assume responsibility; he is needed in major competitions.
The small forward remains as Sun Jun, China’s most stable scorer on the perimeter in this Olympic Games, also possessing good organizational skills.
He has the most tacit coordination with Gan Guoyang, is an extremely intelligent athlete, and was specifically requested by Gan Guoyang to start this game.
As for the power forward position, the choice by Jiang Xingquan, or rather by Gan Guoyang, was quite unexpected; it was Ma Jian, a forward who hasn’t played much in earlier games.
Ma Jian is just over 2 meters tall, and in terms of physique and style, he is very unlike Asian players, and more like American black players.
He is very strong, plays aggressively, and could be considered China’s mini Barkley, though he can’t compare to Barkley in terms of strength and physique.
He was selected for the national team in 1989 and performed remarkably well in the 1989 Asian Championships and the 1990 World Championships.
However, his playing style wasn’t much loved by Jiang Xingquan, and after Jiang became the national team coach, Ma Jian’s playing opportunities diminished significantly.
But after Gan Guoyang joined the national team, he became quite interested in this American-style forward and they had many private exchanges.
Ma Jian has a strong desire to play in America, unlike Hu Weidong, who is somewhat laid-back and indifferent, Ma Jian is very driven.
Gan Guoyang is already considering introducing him to his alma mater Gonzaga, where Fitz needs an experienced, physically gifted inside player.
Compared to China Team’s major lineup change, Croatia’s starting lineup is very stable, with no changes.
Petrović appeared as the starting point guard, which is a huge challenge for Adi Jiang and Hu Weidong.
Unlike Sabonis, Petrović doesn’t say much before the game.
He doesn’t even bother to warn his teammates that "Ah Gan is very dangerous."
Because he feels it’s unnecessary, everyone goes all out on the court, what’s there to remind?
During the game, he will do his utmost to face Ah Gan, his teammates just need to do their jobs.
His temperament is like this, with a hint of arrogance, possessing absolute confidence in basketball.
Even when facing The Emperor, he still bears the belief of inevitable victory.
The game started on time, Gan Guoyang outjumped Francovic in the tip-off.
Francovic shone defensively against the Dream Team.
Robinson, Jordan, Malone, all suffered against him, receiving big blocks.
At 2.18 meters tall, he is 10 cm taller than Gan Guoyang, but Gan Guoyang completely disregarded this height difference.
Relying on his wingspan and strength to gain possession, then immediately rushed forward powerfully toward the frontline.
Croatia Team had prepared before the match, knowing Gan Guoyang’s prowess, they immediately followed him toward the three-second zone.
However, Adi Jiang passed the ball to the wing, where Sun Jun caught it and directly nailed a three-pointer!
Although Coach Jiang wants the ball to go through Gan Guoyang’s hands, it must pass through him.