Core Viewpoint - The selection of Yang Hanshen as the 16th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA draft marks a significant milestone for Chinese basketball and the Li Ning brand, potentially revitalizing Li Ning's basketball business and enhancing its overall brand influence [1][8]. Company Summary - Li Ning has shifted its focus towards CBA players in recent years, signing Yang Hanshen in 2023 and subsequently signing other young CBA stars in 2024, indicating a strategy to build a strong endorsement matrix within the domestic basketball scene [4][7]. - The brand's basketball business is expected to benefit from Yang Hanshen's NBA debut, as he becomes the first Chinese player to wear Li Ning shoes in the NBA, which could lead to increased visibility and sales for the brand [2][8]. - Li Ning's basketball equipment has been chosen by over 1,160 professional players and has been validated through more than 5,020 top-tier matches, showcasing the brand's commitment to the sport [4]. Industry Summary - The basketball shoe market in China remains competitive, with Li Ning holding a significant share despite a growing trend towards running shoes, which has seen a 25% increase in retail sales for Li Ning's running products [18]. - The overall retail revenue for Li Ning's basketball segment has declined by 21%, prompting the company to adjust its product focus while still achieving a 6.8% increase in total shoe revenue [18]. - The changing dynamics in sports viewership, particularly the declining interest in the NBA among Chinese fans, highlight the challenges faced by basketball brands, making the endorsement of a promising player like Yang Hanshen crucial for Li Ning's strategy [14][18].