Nansha player steps up in Guangdong City Basketball League opener

A local forward from Guangzhou's Nansha district drew attention with a powerhouse all-around performance as the 2026 Guangdong City Basketball League tipped off in Guangzhou on March 21.

Branded as "Yue BA", the league opened at Tianhe Sports Center with a lively curtain-raiser between Guangzhou and Zhongshan, played before more than 6,000 spectators. Emphasizing a relaxed, community-driven spirit, the game blended a highly competitive format with a strong grassroots atmosphere.

Feng Haoran, wearing No. 7 for Guangzhou, started the game and logged a team-high 34 minutes. The 201-cm forward delivered 18 points and four rebounds, showcasing his scoring ability and physical presence on both ends of the court.

Feng Haoran dazzles on the court with a standout performance. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Guangzhou led early and held a narrow 48-46 advantage at halftime. The contest remained tight in the second half, before Zhongshan overturned the game with full-court pressure defense in the final quarter. Trailing by three points with five seconds left, Feng created space and attempted a game-tying three-pointer, narrowly missing but demonstrating his composure and responsibility under pressure.

A native of Dongchong town in Nansha, Feng previously rose through local competitions and was selected for the China U23 3x3 national team. His return to Guangzhou highlights the growing pipeline between grassroots basketball and higher-level competition.

The opening ceremony, themed around both national and basketball aspirations, featured Lingnan cultural elements and performances, underscoring the league's role in promoting regional identity through sport.

Basketball player representatives from 21 Guangdong cities tip balls into a giant hoop at the opening of "Yue BA", spotlighting grassroots talent, civic pride and the vibrant integration of sports, culture, tourism and business. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]