On July 6th, the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup continues with China U17 facing off against Philippines U17 in a classification match.
After China U17 lost their previous classification game 73-85 to Egypt U17, they are now vying for 13th to 16th place.
Compared to China U17, which previously secured a victory, Philippines U17 has lost all four of its matches, with the smallest margin of defeat being 16 points and the largest being 96.
The absence of center Huan Sinan in China U17’s game against Egypt U17 significantly impacted the team, as they were outrebounded 32-52 and had fewer blocks, 1-6. Only three players scored in double digits, with Li Yuezhou contributing 19 points, Fu Wenhao 17, and Zhang Bohuan 13.
Statistically, three players from China U17 average double-digit scoring, with MVP candidate Zhang Bohuan averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Li Yuezhou averages 13.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals, while Huan Sinan averages 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks.
In the Philippines U17’s 67-83 loss to Argentina U17, four Filipino players scored, led by Velasco with 17 points, Dajao with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals, Morales with 13 points and 5 rebounds, and Ludovice with 12 points and 5 assists.
The two teams met twice at the 2023 U16 Asian Cup, with China winning 84-67 in the group stage and 87-59 in the third-fourth place playoff.
Huan Sinan is the undisputed centerpiece of China U17’s frontcourt. If he remains unavailable, the balance of power tilts in favor of Philippines U17, presenting them a chance to secure a win. For China U17 to avoid defeat, standout young players like Li Yuezhou and Zhang Bohuan must elevate their performances.
With the Philippine basketball team consistently outperforming China, pressure is on China U17, and controversy-prone head coach Li Xiaoyong has no margin for error. It’s time for him to pull out all the stops.
China U17 Men’s Basketball Roster:
Forwards: 15 Huan Sinan, 14 Liu Li, 13 Wang Hongze
Wings: 12 Fu Wenhuo, 11 Zhang Bohuan, 10 Chen Xiao Yi, 9 Fu Jingbo, 8 Feng Yubo
Guards: 7 Shen Wudi, 6 Li Yuezhou, 5 Liu Yang, 4 He Wenwei
>>>”>For more game predictions, click>>>
