Zhao Rui’s debut! 40 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists! Beijing’s big three officially unite

Linking up with Zhou Qi to sink a three-point shot.

A quick drive, dodging defenders mid-air for a left-handed layup.

Using a screen, he launched a very long-range three-pointer.

Zhao Rui officially made his Beijing debut, starting and playing about 20 minutes, shooting 4 of 9 overall, including 2 of 4 from three-point range, contributing 10 points, 4 assists, and zero turnovers, with a plus-minus of +18, tied for second highest on the court, helping the team clinch an 84-74 win to open the season successfully.

The domestic big three—Zhou Qi, Zhao Rui, and Chen Yingjun—combined for 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Here are Beijing’s stats:

Here are the statistics for Jiangsu team:

During this summer’s off-season, Zhao Rui reached a category D max buyout agreement with Xinjiang team, then promptly signed a three-year category C contract with Beijing team, starting a new chapter in his career.

Zhao Rui’s arrival has strengthened Beijing, last season’s runner-up, although they may lose Zeng Fanbo (possibly playing overseas this season), they remain one of the top championship contenders, standing strong alongside defending champions Guangsha, Guangdong, and Shanghai teams.

Born on January 14, 1996, Zhao Rui played seven seasons for Guangdong team, winning three championships; in the summer of 2023, he and Zhou Qi swapped clubs, transferring to Xinjiang team where he played only 35 regular-season and 6 playoff games over two seasons; now, as mentioned, Zhao Rui and Zhou Qi play side by side in Beijing, with both their former teams being Guangdong and Xinjiang.

In this year’s national team campaign, Zhao Rui served as captain of China’s men’s basketball team at the Asia Cup, averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, leading the team to a runner-up finish; shortly after, during the first window of World Cup qualifiers, Zhao Rui missed both games against South Korea due to injury, and China lost both matches 76-80 and 76-90 respectively.

For the current Chinese men’s basketball team, Zhao Rui is indispensable, both as the core leader and the only player capable of connecting the entire team. In February next year, China will face Japan and Chinese Taipei on the road; if they lose both again, it could seriously jeopardize their chance to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

Therefore, Zhao Rui’s health is of utmost importance. Of course, the Chinese team cannot rely solely on him; the key is to regain the energy and spirit shown at this year’s Asia Cup, as the collective strength of the whole team will always be the key to victory.