Liaoning Flying Leopards' towering center Han Dejun has retired from professional basketball, concluding an 18-season career that redefined loyalty and excellence in Chinese sports. The CBA club announced the emotional departure of their 38-year-old icon on Monday, celebrating his legacy as a four-time champion and one of the league's most decorated players.
Han's career statistics read like a basketball almanac: top-three all-time rebounder, top-ten scorer, and six All-Star selections. His 2018 and 2022 National Games gold medals complemented four CBA championship rings, cementing his status as Liaoning's cornerstone during their rise to dominance.
What makes Han's story remarkable isn't just the trophies, but his unwavering commitment. At his athletic peak, rival clubs offered salaries triple his Liaoning earnings. Yet the Dalian-born star remained steadfast: 'My roots run deeper than any contract. This team shaped me – that bond transcends money.'
Teammates recall Han's leadership extending beyond stats. 'He was our compass in tight games,' said current captain Zhao Jiwei. 'When defenses pressured us, we always looked to Big Han under the basket.'
As Liaoning begins its first preseason in nearly two decades without their defensive anchor, analysts predict his absence will reshape CBA dynamics. Meanwhile, Han plans to mentor young athletes through basketball clinics across the Chinese mainland.
