BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The China men's basketball team has broken its slump and regained confidence by embracing global basketball trends, head coach Guo Shiqiang told Xinhua on Tuesday. The team finished as the runner-up at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, securing its first medal since 2015.

China capped off the tournament with a series of impressive performances, including wins against traditional rivals Jordan and South Korea and highly competitive games against world-level teams like New Zealand and Australia. The team's final run ended with a one-point loss to Australia after Hu Mingxuan's potential game-winning three-pointer rattled out at the buzzer.

Few expected this result when the team began its journey. China's squad was far from full strength, with key players like Zhou Qi, Zhang Zhenlin and Yang Hansen all sidelined for various reasons, leaving Guo with limited options.

"Our goal was simply to fight in every game and try to reach the podium," Guo revealed. "Winning the silver medal has greatly strengthened the team's confidence."

After disappointing campaigns at the 2019 and 2023 FIBA World Cups and missing two consecutive Olympic Games, China desperately needed a boost to restore its long-lost confidence.

Having taken over in 2024, Guo has focused on aligning the team's style with international standards. "To return to the top, we must keep up with global basketball trends," he stressed.

His coaching philosophy is built on four key pillars: balance on both ends of the court, inside-out play, fast transitions and team-oriented basketball.

Under his guidance, the team targeted 67 to 70 field goal attempts per game, a tactical approach drawn from data analysis of the Olympics and World Cup. The team hit this mark in some Asia Cup games but fell short in others.

During the games, Guo encouraged his players to take bold shots when opportunities arose and eased their pressure.

"I chose the players, designed the tactical setup and directed the game. The players need to execute and showcase themselves. I will take responsibility for everything," said Guo.

China ranked first in the tournament in field goal percentage, three-point percentage and free throw percentage. Guo attributed this success to the players' self-discipline and extra practice sessions.

"Every player took the initiative to put in extra work. They came early or stayed late. This attitude is essential to improving," he said.

Guo emphasized that beyond the players, the coaching and support staff also demonstrated strong cohesion. The team benefits from the expertise of coaches like Li Ang, who brings overseas experience, along with dedicated medical, scientific and video analysis personnel.

"They are the unsung heroes behind our success," Guo added. "During our 19-day stay in Saudi Arabia, our two video analysts hardly ever left the hotel."

Young forward Wang Junjie, who was named to the tournament's All-Star Five in his national team debut, was discovered by Guo during a scouting trip to the United States in January.

The 20-year-old prospect, who plays for the University of San Francisco in the NCAA, delivered his most notable performance in the quarterfinals against South Korea, where he tallied 21 points.

"I was impressed by his attitude and performance. He quickly adapted to the team and gave us exactly what we needed," said Guo.

Despite the absence of several key players, the team exceeded expectations with its energetic and united performance.

"Fame is not a factor in our player selections. We choose players based on what the team needs and how they perform during training," Guo emphasized.

Looking ahead, Guo said the team will seek more games against strong European and American teams to stay in line with global trends.

For the Chinese players, the Asia Cup is only a start. "Our bigger goals are the 2027 World Cup and qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. We will continue working hard, step by step," he concluded. ■