Once a protégé of Liu Weiwei, Wang Yibo has struggled to justify his top-tier contract this season with Qingdao Eagles.
In Qingdao’s 90–95 loss to Beijing Ducks, Wang came off the bench for just 4 minutes and 41 seconds, failed to attempt a single field goal, missed both free throws, and recorded no meaningful statistics aside from one foul. His lack of impact quickly drew criticism from fans.
What makes the situation more striking is his history with coach Liu, who once played a key role in developing him during his Zhejiang days. Now reunited in Qingdao, Wang has yet to rediscover that form, with his playing time steadily declining as the season progresses.
So far this season, he averages 4.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 16.9 minutes per game. While he showed flashes early on, his offensive output and playmaking influence have diminished over time.
Given that Qingdao signed him to a three-year, 18 million RMB top contract, questions are already being raised about the value of the deal—even before the first season concludes.
For Wang, a maximum contract comes with expectations, not just security. With the playoffs approaching, failure to improve could further limit his role in crucial moments.
