Rebounding King’s Son Rises as CBA Star Center

Basketball is widely regarded as a sport that heavily depends on talent. To compete at the professional level, both physical attributes and technical skills are essential. That’s why “second-generation athletes” are common in leagues like the CBA and NBA—benefiting from strong genetics and early training.

In Chinese basketball, one standout example of this legacy is Yu Lepeng and his son Yu Jiahao.

Yu Lepeng was a dominant interior force for Zhejiang and a respected figure in Chinese basketball. Standing at 2.16 meters and weighing over 130 kg, he possessed elite size, strength, and solid fundamentals. After shining in the 1993 National Games, he joined Zhejiang and began his CBA career.

In his rookie season, Yu averaged 14.7 points and 13 rebounds, winning the rebounding title. He later added two more rebounding crowns and became a consistent core player for Zhejiang, forming a strong partnership with teammate Zheng Wu.

Although he wasn’t as globally recognized as stars like Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi, or Liu Yudong, Yu Lepeng remains one of the most accomplished big men in CBA history.

After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and played a key role in developing young talents such as Wu Qian and Cheng Shuaipeng. He also led teams to national U21 championships and earned recognition as a top coach.

His wife, Wang Fuying, is also a former women’s basketball player and coach, making their family a true basketball lineage.

Their son, Yu Jiahao, has continued the legacy. Standing at 2.23 meters, he combines elite physical tools with strong technical skills. He has already won youth championships and earned national team selection.

Now a key CBA center, Yu Jiahao averaged 13.5 points and 8 rebounds last season. He has also taken the initiative to develop further by playing in Spain, aiming for higher levels of competition.

From father to son, this is not just a continuation of talent—but a true basketball legacy.