Photo: Courtesy of CBA
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) unveiled the nine latest inductees into the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame on Monday, honoring a diverse group of individuals who have significantly contributed to the sport's growth and legacy.
The 2024 inductees include men's mid-20th century player Li Hanting, 1990s player Gong Xiaobin and women's 1980s stalwart Yang Jie and 2008 Olympics Chinese national team captain Miao Lijie.
As the Hall of Fame Committee introduced new categories this year, longtime Bayi team coach Ma Qingsheng and seasoned referee Guo Yupei are also included on the new inductees list.
Guo Zhenming, the new president of the CBA, highlighted the symbolic value of the Hall of Fame.
"The Hall of Fame is like a golden thread linking the pearls of Chinese basketball's history. These stories of determination and national pride inspire the youth and serve as a wellspring of strength," he told reporters on Monday.
The induction ceremony for these inductees who played their part in shaping Chinese basketball's illustrious 130-year history is scheduled for March 2025.
The Hall of Fame selection criteria include several key aspects. Basic requirements mandate that players must have retired for at least five years, and coaches must have over 20 years of coaching experience.
Achievements for players include representing China at global or continental events such as the Olympics, world championships, or Asian Games, or competing in national finals or top-tier league championships. Notable accolades, such as MVP titles in regular seasons or finals, are also considered.
Each inductee represents a distinct era and contribution to Chinese basketball.
Gong, a household name in Chinese men's basketball from the 1990s to early 2000s, epitomized elegance and skill on the court.
Photo: Courtesy of CBA
As the leader of the Shandong team in the CBA, he left an indelible mark with his mid-range shooting and tactical acumen, helping elevate Chinese basketball's reputation on the international stage.
Yang played a pivotal role in women's basketball, connecting her team's offensive and defensive strategies. Her legacy continues through her grandson, Qi Lin, now playing as a player for the Xinjiang Flying Leopards.
Miao, a legend from the early 2000s, redefined women's basketball with her scoring and clutch performances. She was the first player to score 6.000 points in the WCBA, and the only Chinese player able to win both the WCBA and the WNBA titles.
Since its inception in 2022, the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame has honored 42 individuals and three teams, creating a repository of stories and achievements that fuel the sport's cultural heritage.
Chief expert of the committee Li Yuanwei emphasized the Hall's growing influence.
"Over the past year, under the banner of Hall of Fame in Action, we involved inductees in numerous basketball activities to extend the Hall's impact," Li told reporters.
"Additionally, the nine-volume Chinese Basketball Chronicle is in progress, with the Milestones volume slated for 2025."
