Actually this team is much stronger than it looks on paper. It's unfortunate to have Cai Bin as a coach to begin with, along with Gong starting the tournament playing injured, and facing Italy again in the quarters. China just couldn't catch a break with healthy players. I think losing a point against Netherlands was the deciding factor for getting a medal opportunity.
All the wings got neutralized again but still managed to win a set against Italy. With a healthy Zhu, we wouldn't be playing Italy in the quarterfinals. Zhu opens up everything because the opposing defense will be focusing on her. It's pretty much guaranteed podium finish with a healthy Zhu Ting. It's just bad luck to have so many starters out due to injuries. Pretty much my main concern is and always will be the health of players.
Here's my two cents on the players performances.
Li Yingying demonstrated she's a top all around OH. She just needs to improve on scoring during crunch time. I believe she will because she has a high vball iq. She's the most improved player for me.
Wang Yunlu was surprising solid throughout but just couldn't deliver against top teams. My advice to her is lose weight because she's just big and slow like an elephant. She would definitely make a solid backup if she's with the team in the future.
Gong hands down the best all around OP. Too bad she got injured. Wish her a speedy and full recovery.
Middles didn't improve. I like Yuan the most when she was young and fearless. Then she ran into some sort of mental block. Some other MBs will need to step up in the blocking department.
Setters the same with middles. Yao Di will be back. Main question is Ding Xia's future. Any young potential replacements?
Wang Mengjie is the best libero for CNT. Just need to find a good backup.
The rest of the players didn't get much playing time so on comment. Everything is up to speculation.
Now the big question on coaching position. I think anyone else is better than Cai Bin. I would pick An Jiajie because he's with the team the most under Lang Ping. Don't think Lai Yawen would take on head coach position because she's been with the team since forever. My second choice would be Wang Baoquan since he's the best club coach. If no one else wants it, get a foreign coach.