Fujian teenager Shi Jiajun: The idol is James, who gained a foothold with defense in the first season of the CBA

Hupu September 8th According to the Jinjiang Economic News, "I only felt the intensity of the CBA for the first time when I trained with the first team." This summer, Shijiajun of Fujian Xunxing Youth Team ushered in a turning point in his basketball career - entering the first team and completing the registration of CBA players in the new season. This young guard, who is 2.02 meters tall, stepped onto the new arena of professional basketball with excitement and anxiety.

Born from a "basketball family" joins the first team to meet the "upgrade" challenge

The fate of Shijiajun and basketball begins with the influence of the family. "My parents both play basketball. When I was about 10 years old, I followed them to come into contact with basketball." When talking about his first encounter with basketball, his tone was full of naturalness. During his growth, his parents were not only his guides on the basketball path, but also his firm supporters. "From the beginning of getting involved in basketball and later deciding to take the professional path, my parents have always encouraged me to stick to my choice." In 2019, 15-year-old Shijiajun joined the Fujian Xunxing Youth Team and started systematic basketball training. During his five years in the youth team, he gradually grew from an ignorant young man to a defender with certain strength. When I learned that I was transferred to the first team, complicated emotions surged into Shijiajun's heart. "The first reaction was excitement. I felt that the efforts over the years have paid off. Then I was a little nervous again, worried that I could not keep up with the rhythm of the first team." Shi Jiajun shared the good news with his parents as soon as possible. On the other end of the phone, the parents' advice was simple and powerful: "Train harder, don't be nervous, just be yourself."

From the youth team to the first team, the changes on the training ground are obvious. Shi Jiajun admitted that the difference between the two is mainly concentrated in three aspects: confrontation intensity, tactical understanding and on-field response speed. "The second team's training focuses more on basic polishing, while the first team's training intensity is significantly greater, and the physical confrontation is more intense. The coach's requirements for details are almost strict." In addition, the first team's complex tactical system and fast offensive and defensive rhythm also make him need to adjust himself faster. However, the atmosphere in the team quickly dispelled his concerns. "I get along well with my teammates in the first team. The big guys in the team take special care of me. When I see a problem with me during training, I will take the initiative to remind me and help me correct it." This senior care made him feel warm in a strange environment. In addition to training, Shijiajun will relieve stress by playing games, adjust his state in a relaxed atmosphere, and reserve energy for the next training and competition.

Faced with advantages and disadvantages, and used defense as the "step-off"

2.02 meters in height, making Shijiajun particularly "special" in the defender position. Compared to traditional guards, he has a natural advantage in rebounding and defense. During his youth team, he averaged 5 rebounds per game. "While height brings advantages, it also gives me shortcomings in dribbling, organization and independent offensive capabilities, and there are still many areas that need to be strengthened on the defensive end," said Shi Jiajun.

Talking about the upcoming first CBA season, Shijiajun made "improving defense" its core goal. "At present, what needs to be polished the most is defensive ability. Only by gaining a foothold on the defensive end can we get more opportunities." Regarding the training content of the team's coach Caesar, he said that he has slowly adapted. "The coach's training plan is very targeted. If you practice with the rhythm, you can clearly feel that you are improving."

On the road to professional players, Shijiajun has his own idol - LeBron James. "I like his tough style of play, and I admire him for being himself and moving towards his goal without interruption amidst many doubts from the outside world."

The idol is James. The first season started with "staying a foothold"

For the upcoming first CBA season, Shijiajun did not set too far-reaching goals for himself, but chose to be down-to-earth. "First of all, I hope to get a stable playing time, and then do my job well on the court, start from defense, and grasp all the offensive opportunities that should be seized."

From being in contact with basketball at the age of 10, to joining the youth team at the age of 15, to now being on the CBA arena, Shijiajun has taken every step firmly and solidly. The 20-year-old young defender knows that the competition in the CBA are much more intense than that in the youth team, but he is ready. Just like his idol James, no matter how many challenges he encounters, he will face it with a tough attitude, and write his own chapter on the road of professional basketball with hard work and sweat.

The curtain of the new season is about to begin. This "new force" in Xunxing, Fujian is preparing to hand over the first answer of his own in the CBA arena with the expectations of his family, the support of his teammates and his dreams.

Reprinted from: Jinjiang Economic News