Beijing Basketball Officially Announces: Zhu Yanxi Retires, Becomes Youth Team Assistant Coach — Still the All-Time Three-Point King with Three Championships

Beijing Basketball has officially announced the retirement of 35-year-old veteran Zhu Yanxi, marking the end of an illustrious playing career and the beginning of his new chapter as assistant coach for the Beijing Shougang Youth Team. Zhu leaves the court as the all-time three-point king in club history and a three-time CBA champion, embodying two decades of loyalty and excellence in Beijing colors.

From joining the youth team at age 15 to competing across 14 CBA seasons, Zhu played 454 regular-season and 67 playoff games, amassing 4,338 points, 1,732 rebounds, 478 assists, 148 blocks, and an unforgettable 968 three-pointers that cemented his legendary status. His career began unconventionally through the NBL, where he won both the championship and Rookie of the Year before breaking into the Beijing first team in 2011. His CBA debut season was nothing short of spectacular—earning Rookie of the Year honors, winning the Three-Point Contest, and contributing to Beijing’s first-ever CBA title. Over the following seasons, Zhu became a cornerstone of the team, helping Beijing secure two more championships, including his iconic overtime buzzer-beater against Guangdong in the 2015 semifinals.

Despite recurring injuries to his ankles, knees, and ligaments, Zhu never stopped redefining his role as a sharpshooter. His resilience allowed him to post more than 40% from beyond the arc in eight seasons, highlighted by a stunning 49.2% accuracy in 2017-18. Known as “the man who owned the baseline three,” Zhu became synonymous with clutch performances, including his unforgettable game-winning shot in 2019 against North Control that capped a 21-point comeback. Even in 2024, with teammates sidelined, Zhu once again rose to the challenge, scoring 20 points against Fujian and proving that leadership means stepping up when the team needs it most.

Now, Zhu transitions from player to mentor, taking on the role of assistant coach for the youth team and committing himself to developing Beijing’s next generation of basketball talent. Though he departs the court, his story continues—etched not only in championships and records but in the spirit of perseverance and loyalty he inspired in teammates and fans alike. For Beijing, Zhu Yanxi will always remain the calm sharpshooter with the big heart, the guardian of the three-point line, and a legend whose journey is far from over.