Whenever Team Wenzhou was pushed to the brink, the head coach sent one man onto the court. True to form, as soon as this man entered the game, he stabilized the situation, quickly organized both offense and defense, and narrows the gap or even overtakes the score. With his wealth of game experience and basketball IQ, Yang Xilong became the indispensable“ Steady Anchor” for Team Wenzhou. Countless lightning-fast assists and steals helped his teammates score.
His importance wasn’t reffected on the scoreboard, yet his contributions were irreplaceable.
◎ The Veteran Steps Up as the Leader
When Team Wenzhou was ffrst formed, 37-year-old Yang Xilong stood out among players with an average age of just 22. He joked that he became captain solely because of his seniority.
After all, at his age, not just on Team Wenzhou but across the entire ZJBA, he was already considered an“ old veteran” player.
However, from the very first game, the audience recognized the importance of this“ old” player. As netizens put it“, Having an elder in the team is like having a treasure.”
Not ball-dominant, not showy, and unconcerned with his own stats... In Yang’s eyes, the whole team comes first. In every game, he can organize the offense, assist, deliver pinpoint passes, and even drive coast-to-coast for layups. It was precisely this mindset that led to the stunning behind-the-back assist against Jiaxing Economic Development Zone and the steadying presence that turned the tide when the team was struggling against Zhuji. Netizens call him the “Wenzhou version of Magic Johnson” and the“ Steady Anchor of Team Wenzhou”. They also say that he and Lin Wanpeng form the“ two veteran masters” duo, joking that “without them, this team would fall apart.”
His leadership extended off the court as well. Whether it was practice, meetings, or reviewing game footage, Yang Xilong was almost always the first to arrive and the last to leave. When young players were frustrated by a call, a few words from him can analyze and soothe, helping them refocus on the game.
