BASKETBALL / Taiwan basketball legend Lin Chih-chieh to retire after 2025-26 season

Taipei, Oct. 3 (CNA) Taipei Fubon Braves shooting guard Lin Chih-chieh (林志傑), widely recognized as the greatest player in Taiwanese basketball history, has confirmed his decision to hang up his jersey following the upcoming 2025-26 P.LEAGUE+ (PLG) season.

The franchise announced Lin's decision on Friday during a media event for the new season, with Lin's retirement series scheduled at the Taipei Dome on April 11 and April 12, 2026, the team's final two home games.

"His retirement is not just personal, but marks the end of an era," the team emphasized.

Lin said he had intended to call it a career last season in a low-profile way, expressing his gratitude to the franchise for the opportunity to continue playing.

"I have given so much to the game to stay competitive, but I do feel a dip in form. That's why I decided to retire after this season," said Lin, who will turn 44 on June 11.

Lin's career started in 2001 with Taiwan Beer in the quasi-professional Super Basketball League (SBL), then Taiwan's top-tier league. He joined the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 2009 before returning to Taiwan to play for the Braves in 2019.

In addition to two SBL titles and three PLG championships from 2021-2023, Lin is an icon from the so-called "golden generation" of Taiwanese basketball. He was a member of the national team at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship (now FIBA Asia Cup), where it finished fourth, the country's best result since 2000.

Citing Lin's importance, Braves head coach Roger Hsu (許晉哲) said the franchise has worked with the player to make sure the veteran "can retire in a perfect fashion."

"Chih-chieh does not want to retire when he is injured. He wants to play until the end and hopefully help the team win. Given his achievement and status, we want to give him all the respect he deserves," Hsu told the press.

Lin broke his left wrist in Game 7 of the PLG Finals in May and has not fully recovered. He has a follow-up appointment with a doctor on Oct. 17, after which he will decide on the next step.

Hsu acknowledged that Lin is unlikely to suit up in the Braves' season opener against the reigning champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on Oct. 26, but said that as long as Lin stays healthy, he will play for the Braves until the end of the season.

In the 2025-26 season, the Braves will play 24 PLG regular season games and at least six games in the East Asia Super League (EASL).