Published: 18:07, July 30, 2020 | Updated: 21:14, June 5, 2023
Guangdong star Yi Jianlian claims record fifth CBA MVP award
By Xinhua

In this undated photo, Guangdong Southern Tigers center Yi Jianlian, right, controls the ball during the match. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

QINGDAO - Guangdong Southern Tigers center Yi Jianlian has been named the 2019-2020 regular season Most Valuable Player, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league announced on Thursday.

It's the fifth CBA MVP award for the 32-year-old CBA legend, who averaged 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in 39 games. Yi also extended his personal record of CBA MVP awards.

It's the fifth CBA MVP award for the 32-year-old CBA legend, who averaged 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in 39 games. Yi also extended his personal record of CBA MVP awards

ALSO READ: Yi Jianlian leads CBA All-Star voting for 3rd straight season

Yi led Guangdong to finish the regular season with a 44-2 win-loss record, marking the best winning percentage in the team's history. Guangdong's 29-game winning streak set a new CBA record.

Representatives from media outlets nationwide were invited to vote. Players were awarded 5 points for each first-place vote, 3 points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

Yi received a total of 259 points, edging Xinjiang Flying Tigers center Zhou Qi, who had 258 points, to bring home the honor.

READ MORE: Yi Jianlian scores 26 points, leads Guangdong past Beijing

Wang Zhelin from Fujian Sturgeons was third with 147 points.

Zhou, who finished the regular season with 22.2 points and 13.3 rebounds, was named the best defender. Guangdong coach Du Feng was voted the best coach.