Since the founding of the CBA in 1995, few players have left a legacy as powerful as Hu Weidong. As fans debate the future of basketball in China, many point to the shooting guard position as the most vital—and most likely—to produce superstars. Just like a BD Cricket Match can produce unexpected heroes in a tight chase, basketball needs clutch scorers who can rise when it counts, and Hu was exactly that kind of player.
Back in 1996, Hu Weidong, then 26 and in his prime, faced off against a young Kobe Bryant in a warm-up game between the Chinese national team and the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe, full of youthful flair, attempted a frontcourt drive after a spin move. But Hu, keeping perfect defensive positioning, delivered a stunning chasedown block. Moments later, Hu received the ball on the sideline, backed Kobe down in the post, and sank a smooth turnaround jumper. Hu finished the game with 30 points, including six three-pointers, while Kobe notched 36 of his own. It was a duel to remember—one that highlighted Hu’s world-class ability.
During the 1990s, Hu Weidong’s scoring prowess helped keep China atop Asian basketball and competitive against elite Western teams. He even received a contract offer from the Dallas Mavericks but ultimately declined the opportunity. Those who watched him play knew he had the talent to succeed in the NBA. In his rookie CBA season, Hu averaged 27.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 steals. The next season, he upped his scoring to 30.2 points per game. Dubbed the “Chinese Jordan,” Hu lived up to the name.
Hu Weidong was the first MVP in CBA history and went on to win three scoring titles, two assist titles, and two steals titles, showcasing his all-around dominance. But his impact wasn’t limited to domestic leagues. At the 1993 World University Games, he led China to a historic bronze medal—China’s first-ever podium finish in men’s international basketball. With one second left on the clock, Hu hit a half-court buzzer-beating three to eliminate Italy. In the 1996 Olympics, he again led China to an impressive eighth-place finish.
Shooting guard is often seen as the most specialized role in basketball, but it’s also the one where legends are born. Players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, both iconic shooting guards, defined eras with their scoring abilities. To be great at this position, one simply needs to score—and Hu did that better than anyone in Chinese basketball history. In recent years, China has lacked dominant scorers at this role. Players like Zhao Jiwei and Ding Yanyuhang have shown promise, but the gap remains.
Hu Weidong, born in 1970 in Jiangsu, spent his entire professional career with the CBA’s Jiangsu team. Standing 1.98 meters tall and weighing 95 kilograms, he had the ideal shooting guard build. His athleticism, leaping ability, and graceful style made him a fan favorite. With a polished mid-range jumper and an arsenal of scoring techniques, Hu could hurt teams from anywhere on the court. In one iconic moment, he intercepted a pass and flew coast-to-coast for a thunderous dunk over Scottie Pippen—earning his place in Chinese basketball folklore.
As discussions around talent development continue, the hope remains that China will once again produce a shooting guard who can challenge the world’s best. And just as in a close-fought BD Cricket Match, it only takes one spark to ignite a legacy. Hu Weidong proved that, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of scorers.