Gan Guoyang in terms of technique truly has no successor, not because his techniques are impractical, but because they’re too difficult to learn.
It’s often said that the simplest way is the best, but Gan Guoyang has become increasingly unmatched by this rule over the years. This guy has surpassed the simplest stage and reached a higher realm.
During his peak, Gan Guoyang maintained the Heavy Sword without Edge stage the longest, achieving the highest efficiency.
Now, at 38 years old, he has reached the point where even grass and trees can become swords, mastering every offensive skill.
And these skills aren’t just casually demonstrated without confrontation in training; they’re applicable and effective in the highest intensity matches, which is exceedingly terrifying.
Jordan greatly admires this, particularly amazed at Gan Guoyang’s ability to use two different techniques concurrently while shooting to handle various situations.
He employs different starting stances and power applications for near and far distances to achieve optimal results.
Especially his near-distance turning-leaning shot, an ancient move common in the ’60s and ’70s.
Back then, long-range techniques were underdeveloped, and there was no three-point line; closer to the basket was better.
Entering the ’80s, such shooting methods declined, and by the ’90s, they nearly disappeared.
Only Gan Guoyang still uses it, along with his peculiar hook shot.
In fact, many inside players still use the hook shot, but large hook shots are rare.
Turning-leaning shots are almost extinct; it’s not just leaning forward while shooting that counts as mastering this technique, just as leaning backward doesn’t mean having mastered the fadeaway.
Gan Guoyang possesses a complete set of technical moves, including quick turnarounds, positioning judgment under the basket, small space shooting skills, footwork, and how to prevent being blocked by opponents.
Based on Bernard King’s near-basket shooting technique, Gan Guoyang added some details, perfecting the technique further.
In recent years, Gan Guoyang hasn’t used this technique much due to his playstyle, favoring more three-pointers and mid-range shots.
If in a low post position, he mainly resorts to hook shots, occasionally using the turning-leaning shot.
When used most? One is during fast breaks when Gan Guoyang is involved; this basket shooting technique proves very useful.
Another is when crucial scoring is needed; this move’s ability to draw fouls is incredibly strong, making it notably effective in crucial moments under the basket.
Gan Guoyang once told Jordan: "Do you know why I always win crucial games? My leaning shot certainly plays a big role."
In critical moments, when basket defense is tight, inside players often receive the ball, and under stringent defense, turn for a fadeaway shot, leading to misses resulting in losses.
Gan Guoyang is different; his highly aggressive leaning shot either scores or draws fouls, with very high success rates.
Thus, at every crucial moment, his explosiveness inside is remarkable, a proud skill for Gan Guoyang, but sadly it lacks inheritance, which naturally makes him discontent.
But this set of moves, Gan Guoyang practiced since high school, honed till today, making it truly difficult for young players to master.
Say nothing else, merely memorizing basket positioning is astonishing to many players.
When Gan Guoyang turns for a basket shot, he doesn’t actually look at the basket, instead relies on muscle memory honed through grueling practice, rapid release driven by familiarity, doesn’t require observation; at this position, he knows precisely where the basket is, just turn and execute.
This set handed down from Bernard King, young players are no longer learning, since there’s no need now, with expanded spaces and defensive three seconds, the necessity for survival isn’t squeezing release speeds like before.
Gan Guoyang still retains these skills, usually unused, but when used, opponents are often surprised, finding them nearly impossible to defend.
After Stoudemire’s free throw, Gan Guoyang quickly inbounded from the baseline, signaling Andre Miller to pass to him.
Crossing half court, Gan Guoyang swiftly cut into the basket, maneuvering around, catching Kurt Thomas at the left baseline. Miller connected the pass, Gan Guoyang swiftly turned and pressured Thomas with a shot, scoring two points and causing a foul on Thomas!
Additional free throw!
Gan Guoyang said to Stoudemire: "Hey, did you see clearly? This is the authentic leaning shot technique."
Stoudemire, still young like a college student, is very honest, admitting when he doesn’t know or understand.
"I didn’t see clearly, what’s the difference?"
"Damn... I’ll show you later."
Additional free throw made.
Despite speed and explosiveness not being as before, Gan Guoyang’s turns remain smooth, and his shooting more rapid.
Returning to defense, Stoudemire attempted to score again, but this time was unsuccessful, as Gan Guoyang snatched the ball away.
Glory Team retaliated, Gan Guoyang made a quick dash forward, Jordan, aware of his old pal’s urge to teach, passed the ball to Gan Guoyang.
Gan Guoyang received at the right baseline, took a step in, caught Kurt Thomas, leaned sideways and took the shot, scoring again!
The referee blew the whistle again, calling another foul on Kurt Thomas.
Thomas felt rather helpless, raising his hands to the referee, saying, "I fouled again?"