Li Nan, head coach of China, gets interviewed after a Group M match against Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/He Changshan)
Former Chinese national team head coach Li Nan has been appointed team consultant for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) side Jiangsu Dragons, in the hope of improving the club's coaching team, according to a statement from the club on Thursday.
An outstanding player himself, Li Nan served as the head coach of the Bayi youth team, assistant coach of the national team before officially taking over the national team in 2018.
"Our focus is on the development of young players. Coach Li has a deep understanding of basketball. I believe that his guidance can help our club a lot," said Jiangsu Dragons boss Li Haixing.
China's head coach Li Nan gives instructions during a Group M match against South Korea at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 6, 2019. (Xinhua/He Changshan)
The 45-year-old failed to lead China to direct qualification for the Tokyo Olympic Games at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
"After the World Cup, I realized that I need to improve myself in terms of experience from coaching a CBA team, so I will try my best to help the team," said Li.
