JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - It wasn't long ago when Zhao Rui stirred doubts regarding his future with China.
"Probably, you know the hiccup story that happened during the last FIBA window against Japan," recalled the 29-year-old. "Like I said, I was going to step down from the national team."
The seasoned swingman was referring to Team Dragon's 100-58 victory over Japan back in Window 3 of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers just last February, gaining a measure of payback after losing in the first window.
But what resonated more was his comments after the match which he just brought up.
Fast forward to now, and Zhao just led the Chinese to a win of historic proportions.
I will keep showing my leadership and we'll keep staying together - and fight together.
Team China on Saturday took the scalp of New Zealand by way of a convincing 98-84 victory in front of their own fans at the King Abdullah Sports City here to book the first ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Final.
It was the country's first trip to the continental conclave's Big Dance in a decade or since winning it all in 2015 at home in Changsha, and starring in that big of a triumph was the sweet-shooting swingman himself.
Zhao fired a game-high 24 points on 63.6-percent shooting, including a 5-of-8 clip from beyond the arc, alongside 6 dimes as he scored and assisted in a strong windup to complete their ouster of the Tall Blacks.
He was also responsible in dealing the killer blow in the final moments - a crazy hoist from deep a la Dwayne Wade to beat the shot clock with less than 30 seconds left that brought the venue into immense jubilation.
"I think like our national anthem, the lyrics say, 'The more dangerous, the more we should stick together heading forward,'" Zhao said shortly after the Semi-Final win. "Not individually, but together. That's very important."
More than anything, though, that performance of his was further evidence of how much he has embraced being the team captain of a relatively young squad put together by Coach Guo Shiqiang and his braintrust.
Zhao would be the very first to admit how emotional he could get as a player, and that is precisely the reason why he brought up what he had said to the press back in February simply to get his point across.
Yet everything changed when he was named captain of China.
Upon being entrusted a role so crucial, the CBA star then realized that he has a responsibility not only for himself but for an entire crew as his teammates, most especially the younger ones, are looking at him.
"Coach Guo, he's been encouraging me, telling me, 'Let's work together, let's keep working hard, let's make something happen together, we still have enough time to do that.' So he really trusts me," he said.
"He made me the captain of the team. So then, I realized that I have a responsibility to set a good example for the young players," he added, "and guide and support the young players so that you earn their respect."
There should be no doubt that he's setting a solid example for the team, particularly in the ongoing Asia Cup. After beating New Zealand, he's now averaging 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
For Zhao, it's also his way of repaying the trust given to him by Guo.
"I want to do that because I don't want to let Coach Guo down," said the former FIBA U18 Asia Cup gold medalist, who's now competing in his second Asia Cup. "I want to prove that Coach's decision is right."
Guo couldn't be any prouder to see him grow into the role he's given him.
"Zhao Rui is the captain for the new-look Chinese national team," the veteran mentor said. "As captain, he has been setting a very good example leading the younger players and mentor them as a veteran."
"Everybody respects him; he's worthy of being respected," Guo added.
Now, as Team China have brought themselves closer to regaining Asia Cup glory against either Australia and Iran, Zhao vowed that he'll continue to be the leader that this team has grown to admire and respect.
"Being a captain has also helped me control my emotions during games," he said. "For me, controlling my emotions is key in the game - if I get triggered my teammates always encourage me to stay calm. That really helps me."
"So, I will keep showing my leadership and we'll keep staying together - and fight together," he added.
FIBA