Gong Luming (born August 29, 1957) is a Chinese basketball coach and former professional player. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of basketball in China, having served as the head coach for both the men's and women's national teams.
Early Life and Playing Career Gong was born in Yantai, Shandong Province. He began his professional basketball career as a point guard, known for his tactical intelligence and playmaking abilities. He joined the Chinese national team in 1981 and represented the country in several major international competitions, including the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. During his tenure as a player, China consistently performed as a dominant force within Asian basketball.
Coaching Career After retiring as a player, Gong transitioned into coaching. He served as the head coach of the China men's national basketball team from 1995 to 1997. During this period, he led the team to an eighth-place finish at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, which marked the first time the Chinese men’s team reached the quarterfinals of an Olympic tournament.
In 1999, Gong was appointed as the head coach of the China women's national basketball team. He is credited with rebuilding the squad and leading them to several regional titles, including gold medals at the 2001 and 2004 ABC Championship for Women (now known as the FIBA Women's Asia Cup).
Gong returned to lead the men's national team in 2014 during a period of transition. He successfully guided a younger roster to a gold medal at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, which secured China's qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He stepped down from the position following the 2016 Games.
Administrative Roles and Recognition Beyond coaching, Gong has held various administrative positions within the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He has been involved in youth development and league management, serving as a vice president of the CBA.
In recognition of his impact on the sport globally, Gong Luming was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019 as a coach. He is frequently cited in sports media for his emphasis on discipline, fundamental skills, and tactical versatility.