Coincidentally, they've all had proper training in the NBA and experienced professional culture, which indeed sets them apart.
"And also your coaching staff, to be honest, I don't think they're coaches. They seem more like managers, general managers, team leaders, or teachers. But not quite like coaches." Beelman also criticized the coaching staff led by Jiang Xingquan, surprised to find that some of their tactical thoughts and concepts were still stuck in the 70s and 80s.
"This is called 'Chinese characteristics.' Bobby, you know, coaches don't just direct the game; they also have to manage people. In China, there's an additional skill needed—how to deal with those above. In any case, I hope you understand and teach as best as you can."
Gan Guoyang said, even though he hadn't lived or worked in China since he was 20, he still understood the land well.
Jiang Xingquan is a very old-school coach, characterized mainly by strong management. An old-school coach's first choice in building combat effectiveness is often to strengthen management.
Tactically, they often rely on collective wisdom, setting a direction together, but they pay far less attention to detail than American coaches do.
The first thing a head coach of a national team must do is establish authority, balance relationships among all parties, ensure internal unity, and then address tactical issues.
Of course, other national teams have similar problems, but China, with its large population, players coming from all over, and sports being influenced by other factors, often faces management issues as the head coach's top challenge.
Like this time, when Jiang Xingquan took over Gong Luming's baton and returned to manage the national team, the pressure for results was enormous.
The pressure for results makes nerves tense, resulting in a conflict at Karon Lake training between Gong Xiaobin and Jiang Xingquan.
Gong Xiaobin is very talented but has a carefree and rebellious personality, which clashed with the straightforward nature of Jiang Xingquan. To maintain the head coach's authority and internal stability, Jiang Xingquan directly expelled Gong Xiaobin from the national team.
They only had a verbal spat during training, which is quite common in teams, but with both personalities being very strong and some earlier grudges, a small conflict escalated into a big one, which eventually became uncontrollable.
Even when Gong Xiaobin's mentor pleaded for him and had him apologize, Jiang Xingquan still didn't relent and didn't bring Gong Xiaobin to America for training, essentially ruling out the possibility of the King of the Free-spirits appearing at the Sydney Olympics.
Gan Guoyang knew about this issue, and he thought it was no big deal, but to support the head coach's authority, he didn't say anything. He knew if he spoke up, Gong Xiaobin could definitely come, but if he came, who would leave?
Interpersonal nuances are challenging no matter where you are, which is why Gan Guoyang still prefers playing games. Once the game starts, you can wholeheartedly beat your opponents.
"In one month's time, you can't truly teach anything substantial, Sonny. Perhaps in terms of strength, you could win the gold medal because you're here. But... if you're not here, Yao and Wang will be pillars, but they definitely won't reach your heights, and your level will significantly drop. Being number one in Asia would be your ceiling." Beelman said bluntly.
Gan Guoyang smiled and said, "It's okay, Bobby. I don't expect them to understand everything and become the best players in just one month. I just hope they can become seeds and bring the right concepts and direction back home, just like in 1992, when they brought back strength and confrontation. This time, they should bring back science and ideas, and I think one day they will blossom and bear fruit."
Beelman put out his cigarette, looked at Gan Guoyang, and said, "I really underestimated you, Ah Gan; after all these years, I'm still underestimating you."
"Stop the flattery, just teach well, I'm rooting for you guys in next year's championship."
"Really?"
"Lying, I'm betting on the Lakers."
"XXXX!"