On October 9th, the Qingdao Guoxin Pharmaceutical men’s basketball team held their season kickoff ceremony for the 2024-2025 CBA league in the Laoshan District of Qingdao. Head coach Liu Weiwei was joined by players Yang Hansheng, Wang Ruize, and Zhao Jiayi at this exciting event.
Reflecting on last season, the team secured their playoff spot with five games to spare, finishing in ninth place. They also showcased their talent during the recent 2024 CBA Summer League held in Qingdao, where they clinched the championship with an impressive undefeated record.
As the new season approaches, the Qingdao Guoxin team has made some strategic roster adjustments while keeping key players onboard. They welcomed veteran center Jia Cheng and drafted the promising newcomer Sun Xiangxiang. Additionally, they renewed contracts with important player Myles Powell and brought in new talents Akil Mitchell and Quindarrius Weatherspoon to enhance their competitiveness.
During the kickoff ceremony, Liu Luqiang, the Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Guoxin Group, officially announced the start of the season. Coach Liu Weiwei received the team flag from Zhao Shengcun, the Vice Mayor of Qingdao, symbolizing the official launch of their journey.
When discussing the team’s objectives for the upcoming season, Liu Weiwei highlighted the goal of reaching the playoffs and building on last year’s successes. With the season just around the corner, he expressed hope that the players will navigate challenges such as physical fatigue and changes in foreign player policies, using their game experience to find their rhythm.
The new CBA league season is set to kick off on October 12th, featuring 20 teams competing across a total of 46 regular season rounds, culminating on March 31, 2025. The playoffs will begin on April 4, 2025.
In terms of league structure, Qingdao Guoxin Pharmaceutical will be competing alongside Liaoning Benxi, Shenzhen Marco Polo, Guangzhou Longtai Haiben, and Fujian Jinjiang Cultural Tourism. The team will open the new season at home in the Guoxin Sports Arena on October 14th, facing off against Guangzhou Longtai Haiben.