On August 4th, the renowned media person Yang Yi discussed why China can’t produce a Yuki Kuramata. He stated that beyond our current training methods and how to foster shooting opportunities for guards, Ren Guo (Guo Ailun) is not inferior to Kuramata in terms of ball handling skills, including speed, physical strength, and height. His peak period was certainly stronger than Kuramata.
However, why doesn’t Ren Guo shine on the world stage? The primary reason lies in his shooting style and technique, which appear to have been inadequately developed from an early age. There was no focus on modern guard-style training for Ren Guo’s shooting.
Moreover, more crucial is the attention to detail in training. China’s basketball history has taught us that the traditional approach to success cannot produce a player like Kuramata. While ability is one aspect, an athlete’s confidence and environment are equally important.
Coaches would not tolerate such playing styles. The Japanese team’s setup was centered around a star-four shooter, with Rui Hachimura when he was available, passing to Kuramata. Without Hachimura, everything revolved around Kuramata, giving him full control over the game. Essentially, Kuramata is a typical American-style guard, trained this way from a young age. American basketball trains people this way, with small players taking complete control. Over the past 20 years, this is why there hasn’t been a super center in America.
Chinese basketball is different. Chinese basketball believes in height dominating the game. For 40 years, any achievements in Chinese basketball have come from height dominance. In Chinese basketball teams, any player with height is prioritized, regardless of whether they are 1.72 meters or 1.88 meters tall. It’s not about setting a pick-and-pop and then shooting; any coach wouldn’t accept such a playing style. Ren Guo’s style is considered relatively open, but even so, the Liaoning team allows him to play this way? With a player like Han Dejun in the frontcourt, it’s impossible for Kuramata to play this way in China. The lack of confidence in his development process is evident.