In a surprising turn of events, Yang Zheng, a grassroots basketball sensation with over 3.1 million followers on social media, has become the center of attention following his failed physical test for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Despite being picked up by the Sichuan Blue Whales in the CBA draft, Yang’s performance in the pre-season physical assessment has raised eyebrows and sparked debate. This article delves into the details of Yang’s journey, the physical test, and the contrasting fate of another grassroots star, Yi Jin Hong.
A Journey From Streetball to CBA
Born in 1993, Yang Zheng, standing at 1.96 meters tall, initially trained at a sports school. Despite receiving offers from basketball clubs, Yang chose a different path, emerging as a star in streetball and dunking. He received acclaim from the likes of Jeremy Lin, who compared his versatile playing style to that of Paul Pierce. With a formidable online presence, Yang’s entry into the CBA was highly anticipated, especially after being selected in the second round of the CBA draft.
The Physical Test: A Barrier Too High?
Yang’s physical test results were a stark contrast to his online popularity. Among the four key areas assessed – two-minute intense shooting, weighted push-ups, weighted squats, and 17 consecutive shuttle runs (specialized speed endurance) – Yang failed to meet the required standards. Particularly, he fell short in the two-minute intense shooting test by not achieving the required 24 shots and failed to complete the 17 consecutive shuttle runs. His only highlight was a perfect score in the weighted squats.
The Debate: Is the Test Too Challenging?
The failed physical test has sparked a heated debate online. While some question the difficulty of the test, others have pointed to the success of another grassroots star, Yi Jin Hong, who passed the test with ease. Yi Jin Hong, currently playing for the Beijing Royal Fighters, is also a former streetball sensation who transitioned to professional basketball. His success in the physical test has led to praise for his dedication and hard work, with many attributing his achievement to the reward of hard work.
The CBA’s Perspective
CBA officials, including vice president Gong Luming, have defended the physical test, stating that its purpose is to encourage clubs to maintain high training standards. Gong Luming emphasized that the test’s standards are not overly stringent, and that it is not designed to unfairly exclude athletes but rather to ensure they are in optimal condition for competition. The CBA has provided athletes with two additional opportunities to pass the test before the season begins, ensuring that failure in the initial test does not necessarily end an athlete’s professional career.
A Call for Resilience
In response to the criticism and disappointment, Yang Zheng has remained resilient, acknowledging his limitations and expressing his determination to improve. In a video response, he admitted, I am indeed limited in my abilities, and it’s challenging to reach the professional level in a short time. However, I am committed to pursuing this path and will do everything in my power to succeed. His attitude has resonated with many, who have encouraged him to persevere despite the setback.
Conclusion
Yang Zheng’s journey from a grassroots basketball sensation to a professional CBA player has been met with both anticipation and scrutiny. While his failure to pass the physical test has been a significant hurdle, it has also highlighted the importance of rigorous training and preparation for professional sports. As Yang Zheng and others prepare for their second chance at passing the test, the CBA’s commitment to maintaining high standards remains unwavering. The debate surrounding the physical test’s difficulty continues, but one thing is clear: the road to professional basketball is filled with challenges that require dedication, resilience, and hard work to overcome.
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