Farewell, Zeng Fanbo! Two Games, 22 Points, 10 Rebounds—This Is the Chinese Forward Who Can Make It to the NBA

Since the start of the second phase of the season, Zeng Fanbo has been nothing short of electrifying. Two consecutive games as a starter. Two consecutive games scoring 20+ points. The young forward from Beijing has finally begun to live up to the immense expectations once placed on his shoulders.

In Beijing’s 101-82 victory over the Guangzhou Loong Lions, Zeng delivered yet another impressive performance. After a quiet first half, he erupted in the second, finishing the game with 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field. His efficiency from beyond the arc has been especially noteworthy. Over the past two games, Zeng has made 7 of 12 three-point attempts, shooting an impressive 58% from deep.

Meanwhile, Zhou Qi, another big name in Chinese basketball, had a forgettable outing, going 0-for-4 from the field. While Zhou’s struggles might be glaring, Zeng’s rise has overshadowed them, giving fans a new hope for the future of Chinese basketball.

A Path Once Paved with NBA Dreams

Zeng Fanbo’s recent performances reignite discussions about his potential NBA future. Once seen as one of China’s brightest prospects, Zeng seemed destined for the NBA. However, his career path took a detour when he chose to join the G League Ignite team instead of pursuing the traditional route through the NCAA.

Many believe that had Zeng opted for college basketball in the United States, he might have already heard his name called in the NBA Draft. Instead, his G League stint left him on the fringes of the NBA radar. Despite this, his recent form suggests that the dream is far from over. Fans and analysts alike hope to see him take another shot at the NBA, perhaps as early as next year.

Wang Junjie: The Rising Star from the NCAA

While Zeng’s journey remains a story of what could have been, another Chinese forward is making waves in the NCAA—Wang Junjie. Currently playing for the University of San Francisco, Wang has emerged as a key contributor in his sophomore season.

In his last two games, Wang has scored in double figures, totaling 22 points and 10 rebounds. This marks a significant leap from his freshman season, where he barely saw playing time, averaging just 7.5 minutes per game and contributing a modest 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds.

This season, however, Wang has broken out, setting new career highs across the board. Standing 6’9” (2.06 meters), Wang, like Zeng, is a versatile forward capable of playing both the 3 and 4 positions. His skill set, particularly his ability to attack off the dribble, has made him a standout player in the NCAA and a promising prospect for the future of Chinese basketball.

A Rising Star at the U19 World Cup

Wang’s potential was on full display during the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he represented China. He led the team in scoring, averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, outperforming teammates like Yang Hansen. His well-rounded game and ability to score in a variety of ways left a lasting impression on scouts and fans alike.

Although it’s too early to predict whether Wang will make it to the NBA, his trajectory is undoubtedly pointing upward. If he continues to develop, he could become one of the key players on the Chinese national team’s front line, potentially competing with Zeng Fanbo for the starting power forward spot.

The Future of Chinese Basketball

There’s no denying that Chinese basketball is currently in one of its darkest periods. The national team has struggled on the international stage, and the pipeline of NBA-caliber talent has dried up in recent years.

But stories like those of Zeng Fanbo and Wang Junjie offer a glimmer of hope. They represent a new generation of players who possess the skills, athleticism, and versatility needed to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Zeng’s resurgence and Wang’s rise serve as reminders that the future may not be as bleak as it seems. As these young forwards continue to develop, they could very well be the players to lead China back to basketball prominence.

For now, fans will watch closely, hoping that Zeng’s journey back to the NBA and Wang’s ascent through the NCAA will inspire a new wave of Chinese talent. The road may be long, but with players like Zeng Fanbo and Wang Junjie leading the way, Chinese basketball’s return to the global stage might be closer than we think.