Gan Guoyang, at 6 feet 10, didn't look particularly muscular, but he had already reached a weight of 250 pounds upon entering the league, which was about 10 pounds heavier than in college.
Through extensive and scientific training, he managed to increase his weight and strength without affecting his speed, agility, and shooting touch.
Centers in the 80s who didn't engage in specialized strength training couldn't compete with him, especially since he was naturally endowed with prodigious strength.
Not just the centers, but other players seldom did strength training, like Larry Bird, who was a training fanatic, yet he bench pressed only single-digit times throughout a season.
But at colleges, like Gonzaga University, many coaches had realized the importance of strength training, which could not only enhance muscle and physical confrontation but also reduce injuries, increase stamina, and maintain stable performance.
