Shandong Hi-Speed Men’s Basketball experienced a season full of ups and downs, like a roller coaster ride—steady regular-season performance that secured a top-eight finish, a stunning play-in upset over higher-seeded Liaoning, and a tough playoff exit against Shanghai in the quarterfinals.
At the start of the season, the club set a clear goal of reaching the top eight in the playoffs. In previous years, this target might have required extra effort, but this season the team’s lineup gelled well. A solid regular-season campaign earned them a spot in the top eight for the first time in five years, marking a significant step forward in their gradual progression.
The play-in series against Liaoning was exhilarating. 
Under the CBA’s best-of-three format for the 12-to-8 knockout stage, Shandong lost the first road game, but bounced back to win at home in the second, then clinched a 2-1 victory on the road in the decider. This comeback was no fluke—it came from a fast-break strategy targeting Liaoning’s perimeter defense weakness, combined with relentless hustle and mental toughness.
The play-in victory not only returned Shandong to the quarterfinals after a five-year drought but also gave them invaluable experience in high-pressure games. However, when they faced Shanghai in the quarterfinals, weaknesses became apparent. Losing the home game was disappointing; they aimed to stay competitive but allowed a 41-24 second-quarter deficit that proved insurmountable.
Shandong’s upset over Liaoning was driven by more than luck. The team relied on imports Johnson and Chris to anchor the interior and playmaking, but Johnson’s scoring ability wasn’t matched by his playmaking, and Chris struggled in post play. Against Shanghai, Wang Zhelin dominated the paint, exposing Shandong’s interior vulnerability and offensive flow issues—a key area to address in the offseason.
A bright spot was the emergence of young players. Xie Zhijie and Wang Zheng, who had little presence in the regular season, stepped up in the playoffs. In the Shanghai game, Wang Zheng scored 11 points, tying his career high, including a crucial three-pointer, while Xie Zhijie contributed 5 points but excelled in defense and passing, posting the only positive plus-minus on the team. These rookies, initially seen as filler minutes, proved valuable with their defense and shooting—a testament to Shandong’s basketball academy investments.
From a fan’s perspective, the season achieved the top-eight goal while showcasing young talent growth. The play-in win over Liaoning raised expectations, and now fans hope the offseason can address weaknesses for a stronger next season. The summer adjustments must cover several areas: first, upgrade imports—with the CBA implementing a three-import rule, mid-tier teams have more room to improve, and Shandong needs a reliable point guard and center to boost tactical flexibility. Second, secure contract renewals for veterans like Tao Hanlin and Gao Shiyan, and target quality domestic players to optimize the roster.
Shandong Hi-Speed Men’s Basketball delivered a passing grade: fulfilling the preseason top-eight objective, uncovering promising youth, but also exposing import fit and roster depth issues. The offseason is a critical window to leverage the new import rule, precisely strengthen weak spots, and convert youth development into sustained competitiveness. If they execute well, next season could bring even more impressive performances.
CBA competition is intensifying, with mid-tier teams improving rapidly. Shandong’s gradual ascension mirrors the league’s broader development. 