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.
The ZJBA is the largest grassroots sports event in the province and also the longest and most high-profile tournament Yang has experienced. His popularity even rivals that of his younger, more photogenic teammates. After an away game against Hangzhou, a young fan waited at the hotel early the next morning to see the captain. Upon hearing the news just after awakening, he went downstairs in slippers to sign autographs and take a photo with the fan. The young fan, though nervous, mustered the courage to say,“ Team Wenzhou is the best, keep going!” Yang replied to the child,“ You’re the best too. Let’s work hard together.”
This intense level of passion filled Yang with gratitude, who was determined to lead Team Wenzhou to pursue the highest glory in the ZJBA.
◎ The Old Blade is Still Sharp
Knowledgeable fans agree that among all teams in the ZJBA, Yang Xilong’s basketball IQ is among the highest.
In his youth, Yang was a dominant force in Wenzhou basketball circles, hailed as the“ best guard in Wenzhou” and the“ top high school phenom in Wenzhou”.
His basketball journey began in the fourth grade. That year, his elder brother was selected for the school basketball team, and Yang tagged along to practices. He was spotted by the basketball coach of Yongnan Primary School at the time. From then on, his life became deeply intertwined with basketball.
In Wenzhou No. 5 High School, he often represented the school in competitions. When other teams heard the No. 5 School was participating, their goal became fighting for second place. He firmly held the title of“ Top High School Phenom” for many years.
In his younger years, Yang represented Lucheng District to win the men’s basketball championship at the City Games. He participated in the Wenzhou Basketball Championship for 12 consecutive years, securing 7 championships, 4 runner-up finishes, and 1 third place. In 2017, he represented Wenzhou to win the men’s basketball 3V3 championship at the Zhejiang Provincial Sports Games. In 2021, he represented Wenzhou to win the Zhejiang Provincial Basketball Association Cup. Also in 2021, he represented Zhejiang to finish fifth in the men’s basketball (mass group) competition at the National Games.
Basketball has brought Yang many honors and many friends. His social circle revolves almost entirely around basketball. After over twenty years of sweating it out on the court, the young phenom has grown into an“ old veteran”, with opponents and teammates alike becoming old friends. His passion has turned into his career. After starting work, Yang became a coach at a well-known Wenzhou basketball institution, nurturing generation after generation of basketball-loving youth.
However, even the strongest cannot defy time. Muscles age, reactions slow, and the risk of injury only increases. The 37-year-old Yang Xilong now carries various old injuries. He says with a laugh,“ I’m one of the few players on Team Wenzhou who can hardly dunk anymore.”
Through Team Wenzhou’s high-intensity training and competitive games, his physical condition has been improving. During pre-game training, Yang, who hadn’t successfully dunked in a long time, finally managed to slam one home. He rewatched the video of that dunk again and again.
In an away game challenging Team Zhoushan, with his high-level all-around play on both ends, Yang earned the MVP title for that match. This MVP was something he had long awaited. Netizens commented that“ the old blade is still sharp.”
When asked how many more years he can play, Yang said,“ As long as I don’t suffer a major injury, as long as the team needs me, I’ll be ready to play!”