Zhejiang Lions center Hu Jinqiu and Jilin Northeast Tigers guard Dominique Jones were named Players of the Month for the first edition of the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Wednesday.

Dedric Lawson (left) of Xinjiang Flying Tigers vies Hu Jinqiu of Zhejiang Lions during a match at the 2024-2025 season of the Chinese Basketball Association league in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Nov 3, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Hu averaged 22.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 33 minutes each game in the first stage of the regular season, shooting 68.1% from the floor and 44.8% from 3-point range. He fueled Zhejiang to an 8-2 win-loss record to sit fifth in the standings.

For overseas players, Jones registered a phenomenal average of 35.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 12.1 assists and 2.9 steals in 41 minutes of action, with his points and assists per game ranking first and average steals placing second in the CBA.

The two players were also the first winners of Players of the Week award this season.

Also on Wednesday, Qingdao Eagles center Yang Hansen was named Rising Star of the Month.

19-year-old Yang helped Qingdao win six matches out of 10 while averaging 16.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.7 blocks in 38 minutes of playing time per game. In the first month, he notched double-double six times and became the leading rebounder among domestic players.