On December 29, the CBA regular season game attracted attention not only because of the matchup, but also because of the grand ceremony of a basketball superstar. The Guangdong men's basketball team faced Zhejiang Guangsha at home, and Yi Jianlian's No. 9 jersey was officially retired, paying tribute to the most outstanding star in the history of the Chinese men's basketball team.
This "Yi Jianlian Night" undoubtedly detonated the enthusiasm of fans in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Whether it is tickets for the infield or the box, or even luxury seats of up to thousands of yuan, it is difficult to find a ticket, after all, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the indisputable first glory moment of the Chinese men's basketball team. Guangdong star players such as Guo Allen and Zhao Jiwei, as well as former national player Zhou Peng, all expressed their high respect for the "big brother" on social platforms, saying that he has made immeasurable contributions to the Guangdong men's basketball team and the Chinese men's basketball team.
In fact, Yi Jianlian's glorious history has long been brilliant. This star with the appearance of a beautiful man is the MVP and rebounding king in the history of the Chinese men's basketball team. He has only played for the Guangdong team in his entire career, led the team to win 7 CBA championships, 3 personal FMVPs, 5 MVPs, and career total points, total rebounds and even blocks are all at the top of the CBA history list. At the national team level, Yi Jianlian will be called for every major event, has been selected for the World Cup squad 3 times, participated in 4 Olympic Games, and is an important contributor to the only Asian Games gold medal won by the Chinese men's basketball team. As the captain and general, he wears the aura of 2 Asian Cup MVP and 3 Asian Cup champions. In the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Yi Jianlian held high the Chinese flag and led the athletes as the flag bearer of the Chinese delegation, which can be called his highest honor as the soul of the Chinese men's basketball team.
Now, Yi Jianlian, who is at the end of his career, officially announced his retirement, which not only means the end of a legendary era, but also represents the time when all Chinese fans should pay solemn tribute. In the home stadium of the Guangdong team, the commemorative shirts arranged in red "9" are spread all over the stands, and every fan who comes to watch the game will receive this unique souvenir. When Yi Jianlian officially retires in the middle of the game and carries out the jersey retirement ceremony, the overwhelming red shirts will form a sea of affection and witness this historic moment with the idol.
Guangdong head coach Du Feng also revealed at the press conference that there will be mysterious guests at the jersey retirement ceremony, as well as more small activities and surprises to come, hoping that fans can feel this glory together. For Yi Jianlian, the retirement of the jersey not only means the summary of his hard career, but also an important step to open a new chapter in his life. His glorious deeds and outstanding contributions will become an eternal bright page in the history of the Chinese men's basketball team. I believe that everyone present will give the hottest applause to this legendary superstar.