Guo Ailun

In July 2009, Guo attended LeBron James' Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio, while already part of the Liaoning Hunters organisation, impressing some observers with his ball handling, dynamism and court vision.

[5] Struggling with communication (he reportedly spoke no English whatsoever) he impressed scouts in practice with his dedication and skill but had a quiet game against Team USA, going 1 for 5 from the field and committing two turnovers.

[9] Liaoning were vindicated in their decision as he then enjoyed a breakthrough 2012–13 CBA season, starting at point with 34 minutes per game on average as the team finished with its best record in several years and qualified for the playoffs.

[17] He had 26 points (on 91.7% shooting from two) in the team's 16th consecutive win during the penultimate round against the Tianjin Gold Lions, thus guaranteeing the franchise a historic regular-season first place.

[20] In game 3 of the playoffs first round against the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, he had 15 points and a game-high 11 assists to help the Flying Leopards to a 127–111 win and a series sweep.

[21] Moving on to the semis against the Guangdong Southern Tigers, Guo had 20 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in a 105–96 game 4 win that took Liaoning to the finals where they would face the unheralded Sichuan Blue Whales.

[22] After losing game 3 of the series away in Chengdu on 16 March, Guo was heavily involved in a brawl opposing Sichuan fans with members of the Liaoning organisation.

[23] He then had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals and a single assist in a combative performance during game 5 that proved in vain as Sichuan won 94–91 to keep the series and the championship in Chengdu.

[29] At 16, he was a surprise inclusion with the senior Chinese national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, making him the youngest ever player to turn up for China.

[31] The Junior National Team captain was said to have been the leader of a player revolt to oust coach Fan Bin because of his abusive style in April 2011.

[34] In the same age group, Guo participated in the World Championship played in Latvia in June/July 2011, contributing team bests of 15 points and 2.8 assists per game over the tournament.

[37] Recalled to the senior side in April 2012,[37] the 18-year-old was the youngest basketball player at the 2012 Olympic Games where he was a peripheral figure, taking part in three out of the five Chinese losses for 3.3 points and 1 rebound on average.

[38] Eager to impress in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship played at home, Guo shone, contributing 10.9 points (on 54.8% shooting), 4 assists and 3.2 rebounds per outing in making the tournament's All-Star Five.

[28] That was helped by his commanding display in the final against the Philippines, outplaying his counterpart and fellow All-Star Jayson Castro to lead his team in scoring 19 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.