Before the rise of Shi Hongfei and Wu Guanxi, players like Chen Lei and Li Yuanyu had already rediscovered their value with the Jiangsu Dragons. Under the leadership of coach Besilovic, not only local talents but also overlooked foreign players have been transformed into key contributors. A prime example is Miroslav Raduljica. Once considered a failed import while playing for Shandong, he became the backbone of Jiangsu’s interior last season. Averaging 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, he showcased not only strength but also versatility. Fans tracking CBA performances on Cricket Exchange often highlighted his impact as one of the main reasons behind Jiangsu’s surprising playoff return.
Raduljica flourished under Besilovic, who gave him the freedom to use his refined skills in addition to his physical dominance. His playmaking ability became an essential part of Jiangsu’s system. Without question, the team’s playoff comeback after seven years owed much to his contributions. Considering Jiangsu’s roster depth, finishing fifth in the regular season and advancing into the playoffs exceeded all expectations. This success persuaded the club to extend Besilovic’s contract for three more years, entrusting him with the mission of restoring Jiangsu to elite status. With a promising generation of young talents emerging from their academy, and with Besilovic’s guidance, fans believe a return to powerhouse status is only a matter of time.
Veteran Chen Lei’s story illustrates this transformation further. Once captain of the Beijing Ducks, by age 32 he had become a marginal figure. Moving to Jiangsu in the summer, he rediscovered his rhythm and posted 6.9 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. In the quarterfinals of the playoffs, his 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting reminded everyone that old soldiers never fade easily. Meanwhile, Li Yuanyu, who had been underutilized at Guangdong, quickly grew into a reliable domestic big man once joining Jiangsu.
Shi Hongfei and Wu Guanxi were the brightest surprises last season. Shi averaged 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, while hitting 50 percent of his three-point attempts and sinking 2.4 triples per game. He became Jiangsu’s most dependable homegrown guard. Wu Guanxi added 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, solidifying the team’s paint presence. Yet prior to their arrival, Wu had been buried on the Shanghai bench, and Shi had only modest roles with Guangzhou, included in a trade as an afterthought. Their ability to shine with Jiangsu is a testament to Besilovic’s trust and coaching philosophy. Observers and Cricket Exchange followers often stress that his system turns overlooked pieces into vital cogs.
Recent news even reported that forward Zhao Shuizhou from Liaoning was undergoing a trial with Jiangsu, raising hopes he could finally unlock his potential. Fans welcomed the update, noting that Jiangsu has become a haven for discarded players to rejuvenate their careers. The team’s playoff return after seven years demonstrated Besilovic’s extraordinary knack for recognizing talent and maximizing potential. His golden touch, the ability to turn stone into gold, has left fans in awe. Last season’s breakout performers, such as the local scoring leader who averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds while earning a spot on China’s Blue National Team, symbolized this revival. As conversations continue across forums and Cricket Exchange, the consensus is clear: Jiangsu has rediscovered its spark, and the credit belongs largely to a coach whose vision and leadership are nothing short of remarkable.