Few teams in recent CBA history have turned things around as dramatically as the Jiangsu Dragons, and much of that credit goes to head coach Besikovic, whose ability to turn overlooked talent into reliable performers is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Fans who follow every BD Cricket Match may recognize a similar story of underdogs rising to the occasion. In Jiangsu’s case, players discarded by other teams have blossomed into key contributors under Besikovic’s leadership.

Before Shi Hongfei and Wu Guanxi made headlines, players like Chen Lei and Li Yuanyu had already found new life in Jiangsu. Even foreign imports once labeled as flops thrived under Besikovic. Miroslav Raduljica, once considered a bust during his stint with Shandong, became the centerpiece of Jiangsu’s frontcourt. Last season, he averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game—a well-rounded performance that anchored the team’s playoff push.

In Besikovic’s system, Raduljica was more than just a physical presence; his passing and court vision made him an essential cog in the offensive scheme. Thanks in large part to his influence, Jiangsu exceeded expectations by finishing fifth in the regular season and returning to the playoffs for the first time in seven years. That remarkable turnaround led to Besikovic earning a new three-year contract as the franchise sets its sights on long-term success. With a wave of young talent emerging from the youth academy, a return to elite status now seems like only a matter of time.

Take Chen Lei, for example. Once the captain of Beijing, the 32-year-old had fallen out of favor before joining Jiangsu and experiencing a career revival. During the 2015–16 season, he averaged 6.9 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. In last season’s quarterfinal Game 3, Chen proved he still had plenty left in the tank, scoring 21 points on 11 shots. Similarly, Li Yuanyu, who had struggled to find a role with Guangdong, quickly emerged as a dependable domestic big man for Jiangsu.

Then there’s Shi Hongfei and Wu Guanxi, whose breakout seasons were critical. Shi averaged 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals, including 2.4 three-pointers per game at a 50% clip—cementing his role as the team’s most reliable local guard. Wu, meanwhile, posted 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, becoming indispensable in the paint. Remarkably, both players had been afterthoughts—Shi came to Jiangsu as a trade throw-in, and Wu had been glued to the bench in Shanghai. Their transformation is a testament to Besikovic’s eye for talent and trust in underutilized players.

Now, Jiangsu may be on the verge of discovering another hidden gem. Reports suggest that Zhao Shuizhou, a forward recently with Liaoning, is currently on trial with the team. Fans are hopeful that, like those before him, he’ll finally be given the chance to shine. The logic is simple: Jiangsu has become a sanctuary for CBA castoffs, a place where overlooked players are given the tools to succeed.

For those who watch every BD Cricket Match and appreciate the beauty of unlikely comebacks, Jiangsu’s story is a reminder that, sometimes, all it takes is the right system and the right coach to unlock greatness. Last season, Jiangsu not only returned to the playoffs but saw multiple players reach career highs. Besikovic’s knack for turning raw talent into polished gems is indeed a sight to behold, and if this trend continues, BD Cricket Match fans may soon see Jiangsu become one of the CBA’s perennial powerhouses.