Speaking Frankly, Zheng Wei Gave Gong Luming Four Suggestions!

At the Women's Basketball World Cup, in the quarterfinal playoff round, China women's basketball team faced Puerto Rico. Before the game, many people believed China had a higher chance of winning. For example, well-known domestic commentator Yang Yi said that apart from a 2-meter center, the other starters at Puerto Rico's positions were all shorter than 1.85 meters. At the same time, Puerto Rico's three-point shooting level was also average. Therefore, Puerto Rico could be considered the most ideal opponent for China women's basketball team.

Puerto Rico head coach Jerry Batista also believed that China women's basketball team was stronger and was a top-level team in the World Cup. Moreover, as the tournament progressed, the form of China's players continued to improve.

It can be said that most people believed China women's basketball team would win. However, entering the knockout stage, who wants to be eliminated early? Who does not want to win? Therefore, Puerto Rico would certainly give its all in this game, making it very difficult for China to secure a victory.

Former China women's basketball head coach Zheng Wei said that Puerto Rico's style of play is somewhat similar to the United States team. They play at an extremely fast pace and apply intense close defense during games. Once they force a turnover, they immediately push the fast break. This situation could put China women's basketball team in a very passive position. However, Puerto Rico lacks overall height, so they will not rely exclusively on half-court offense.

Considering the characteristics of both teams, Zheng Wei also gave four suggestions to China women's basketball team head coach Gong Luming:

1. Make good use of China's inside twin towers Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu. During the game, China women's basketball team must fully use its height advantage, play steadily in the paint, and use its size to pressure the opponent.

2. Slow down the pace of the game as much as possible, play more half-court offense, and improve offensive efficiency. During the game, China must not follow the opponent's pace and run with them. The team must secure possession, reduce turnovers, and cut off the source of the opponent's fast breaks as much as possible. This is a key factor for China women's basketball team to win.

3. Be patient and share the ball more. During the game, players must move the ball more among themselves, remain patient, and constantly look for good offensive opportunities. They must not rush into playing fast, so as to avoid repeated poor turnovers. Turnovers must be controlled.

4. On defense, put enough pressure on the opponent. In addition to being patient and efficient on offense, China must also apply enough defensive pressure and continuously create problems for the opponent.

Speaking frankly: the author believes Zheng Wei's comments are very correct and reasonable. Perhaps Puerto Rico's overall strength is indeed not as strong as China's, but basketball is unpredictable and anything can happen. Therefore, China women's basketball team must be prepared for difficulties and show its own characteristics during the game. Only in this way will its chances of winning be higher.