Gonzaga has had significant success throughout the years with international players, which Zeng said played an important role in his decision. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. I hope that I can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth. On October 13, 2021, Zeng signed with the NBA G League Ignite of the NBA G League. G League , Shareef Abdur-Rahim , Uncategorized G League , Shareef Abdur-Rahim , Fanbo Zeng Fanbo Zeng is a 6-9, 190-pound Power Forward from Windermere, FL. "It's been difficult for the entire world," Zeng said. [Assistant] coach Tommy Lloyd has been taking such a great care of the athletes that came from overseas. Birth: 11 1 2003 (age 20) : 207cm / 6'9". It's a huge motivation for me rather than pressure. Fanbo Zeng, 2022 Power Forward - Rivals.com Unable to get prospect follow status. As part of a talented Ignite team, Zeng did not get a chance to fully showcase his skills during the 2021-22 season, but he has plenty of untapped potential that can be put on display during his time with Indiana. 1 in combined men's and women's college basketball rankings, Dick Vitale's 2020-21 college basketball players to watch -- and more, 2021 men's college basketball recruiting class rankings: Michigan stays at 1; Auburn and UNLV rise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 1. ESPN had good news for Chinese basketball fans as it ranked Zeng Fanbo, a 17-year-old power forward from Windermere Preparatory School, 34th as a four-star player on its Recruiting List of the 2022 Class. I'm far from being compared to the greatest Chinese players that ever played. Zeng and the Pacers open Summer League play on Friday, July 8. I had to finish high school back in my hometown. A playmaker with size who has range as well. After going 25-57 in the 2021-22 season, Indiana is retooling for a future in which Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte and 2022 No. Oct 17, 2022 at 10:26 am ET 1 min read. Top Performance: Fanbo's game against the Santa Cruz Warriors in the season finale showcased his potential and status as a top international prospect. Chinese forward Fanbo Zeng of the G League Ignite is signing with the Indiana Pacers and will play for the team in Las Vegas NBA summer league, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. I'm very confident on the court and enjoy every second of playing ball. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. Fanbo Zeng, previously the No. Zeng committed to Gonzaga University in November of 2020, but later instead chose to withdraw from his college choice and compete with NBA G League Ignite. Which I'm sure it will be a blessing to train with some of the best coaches and teammates.". Following Zeng's workout, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony tweeted: "Fanbo . "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. Ignite has four players currently ranked in the ESPN 100: Jaden Hardy (No. I'm lucky enough to have someone like Yao [Ming] as a pioneer. He attended the first training session with the team on Friday and drew attention from a lot of reporters. . He excels in transition and can really fly above the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. 2022 Sports Phenoms, Inc., All Rights Reserved | This site has no affiliation with the National Basketball Association | Website by SOF, Inc. /CFP. "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. Fanbo Zeng, who is considered to be the top Chinese prospect, will reportedly decommit from Gonzaga to sign with the NBA G League Ignite for the 2021-22 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Fanbo Zeng, the No. Also, just to develop overall. [8] On April 24, 2021, he decommitted from Gonzaga with the intention of joining the NBA G League Ignite, in part because of the departure of assistant coach Tommy Lloyd, who had recruited him to Gonzaga.[7]. Coming from a basketball family, with both parents ex-players, Zeng was identified as a prospect at an early age, moving from his hometown of Harbin to an academy 750 miles away in Beijing at age 11 before eventually moving to Oregon and then Florida. He has some work to do, but there's a reason that the franchise has reportedly signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract. Fanbo joined Ignite as one of the world's top youth prospects, ranked as one of the top forwards and 33rd overall by ESPN in the draft class of 2022. "That changed everything for me -- learning how to play with and against other athletic players," he said. Increasing the visibility of the NBA in China is a major priority moving forward, league officials have told ESPN. MORE:NBA Two-Way contracts, explained: Tracking undrafted player signings. A 2.05-meter-tall forward, Zeng has a 2.11-meter wingspan, good athleticism and 3-point shooting ability. Club: Beijing Bucks Basketball Club (CHN) Nationality: CHN. At Windermere Prep, Zeng was ranked as high as 33rd in the high school class of 2022 before reclassifying to become a high school senior in 2021, where he still received a four-star distinction. He said he will look to reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer. That's the ultimate goal. I already can't wait to join.". The 17-year-old Zeng has garnered considerable attention both in the U.S. and China thanks to the progress he made this past season. MORE:What is G League Ignite? I will also finish schoolwork a year early and start playing in college next year. "Most importantly, I wish I can contribute wearing the Chinese national jersey and represent my country on a global stage. Fans can get a glimpse at the players,. Fanbo Zeng, the No. Fanbo Zeng, the No. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. "They've had many significant examples of developing international players. In an interview with ESPN, Zeng stated,"This is the best and fastest way to become a pro, and also get better every day,"This was the best decision I could make while I was in China. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in Florida before returning to China in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 33 prospect in the ESPN class of 2022, told ESPN on Wednesday that he has signed with the NBA's G League Ignite program and will declare for the 2022 NBA draft. He spent two years at. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Kenny Anderson: 42: Knicks: Jaylin Williams C - Arkansas - HT: 6-10 - WT: 240 - WING: 7-1 - So - A fundamentally sound and really smart basketball player who impacts all aspects . The U.S. ban on travel from China will prevent him from finishing his final two years of high school at Windermere Prep, so Zeng will spend this upcoming season in China and attempt to enroll early at Gonzaga, starting next summer. 9 pick in the 2019 NBA draft; Lithuanian big man and fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis was selected No. He established himself as a top recruit after averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists as a second-year in 2019-20, shooting 47% from 3-point range. 3 Tennessee suspends baseball coach Vitello, FSU AD: Lagging ACC revenue 'has to change', Huskers volleyball set for outdoors to spike crowd, Projecting the NCAA men's hockey tournament field, College baseball 2023 Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list -- favorites, sleeper picks, Women's college hockey: Top players, key storylines, Frozen Four picks, Men's college hockey: Top teams, best players, Frozen Four picks, U-M's Hutchins, NCAA softball wins leader, retires. I need to keep working on getting stronger. Zeng, who will look to reclassify to 2021, is considered arguably the most promising Chinese . Fanbo Zeng is 1/1 looking for $95 OBO Ask for prices on other stu. Copyright 2020 CGTN. 3), Dyson Daniels (No. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return home. He really showed me what the program is about and how I'd fit perfectly at Gonzaga. "I was lucky enough to have coach Brian Hoff from Windermere Prep and my AAU coach, Anthony Ricks, to help me grow as a student and a player. Although injured for part of the Ignite season, Fanbo was able to show his versatility on both ends of the court and peaked in the final game of the season with a career-high 17-point performance against the Santa Cruz Warriors. He really showed me what the program is about and how I'd fit perfectly at Gonzaga. 33 prospect in ESPN's Class of 2022, commits to play for Gonzaga Skip to navigation > Search You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click. Fanbo was also named to the Chinese men's basketball team's training camp prior to their 2021 Olympic qualifying matchups and the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, which were held this past summer. The NBA G League is the NBA's official minor league. Coming from a basketball family, with both parents ex-players, Zeng was identified as a prospect at an early age, moving from his hometown of Harbin to an academy 750 miles away in Beijing at age 11 before eventually moving to Oregon and then Florida. The 17-year-old Zeng has garnered considerable attention both in the U.S. and China thanks to the progress he made this past season. 11 in 2016. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. Rankings; Bronny James Tabbed As Top-10 Pick In Mock 2024 NBA Draft. In his second year, Zeng grew to 2.06 meters tall and 84 kilograms in weight, averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.6 blocks and leading his school to become runner-up in Florida with a 27-4 record. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. So, it had a pretty big impact, but at the same time showed me more options.". With only one Chinese player drafted since 2007, the country's basketball fans have significant hopes for Zeng's development over the coming years. DOB 1/11/2003. Fanbo joined Ignite as one of the worlds top youth prospects, ranked as one of the top forwards and 33rd overall by ESPN in the draft class of 2022. "They love it. 247Sports Composite Top247. "This is the best and fastest way to become a pro, and also get better every day," Zeng told ESPN. That's the ultimate goal. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. Which 16 teams should you buy or fade ahead of March Madness? "Most importantly, I wish I can contribute wearing the Chinese national jersey and represent my country on a global stage. . [3] As a sophomore, he averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, earning Class 3A All-State first team honors. . Zeng says the G League Ignite was closely followed in China last year even without the presence of a local player, a feature that now will surely amplify the amount of attention the NBA's relatively new program receives in one of the biggest media markets on the planet. According to James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star, Zeng's contract is an Exhibit 10 deal, a positive indicator that the 19-year-old will have a future with the Pacers franchise. 1. The 19-year-old Zeng, one of the . "For me, my plan of going back to high school in the States had to be canceled. Inside NBA G League's developmental program. Verbal Commits - Fanbo Zeng Player Profile: Rankings, Stars, Video Highlights, Offers, Tweets, Height, Weight, High School, Position, Hometown Zeng is a 19-year-old lefty that stands around 6-foot-10 and is known for his shooting and feel for the game. Height 6'11". Zeng returned to China at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and, due to travel restrictions, missed out on what would have been his senior year at Windermere. College Sports Home Scores Rankings Tickets Fanbo Zeng, the No. He excels in transition and can really fly above the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Jun 25, 2022. Having arrived in Oregon as a 14-year old, Zeng says that having spent much of his high school career in the U.S. will help ease his transition to Ignite. Coming from a basketball family, with both parents ex-players, Zeng was identified as a prospect at an early age, moving from his hometown of Harbin to an academy 750 miles away in Beijing at age 11 before eventually moving to Oregon and then Florida. Another member of G League Ignite has found a path to the NBA. With only one Chinese player drafted since 2007, the country's basketball fans have significant hopes for Zeng's development over the coming years. Top Chinese prospect Zeng joins G League Ignite, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, Driven Giannis 'OK' if people take him for granted, Durant to debut for Suns on Wed. vs. Hornets, Pels say injured Zion progressing, set for imaging, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Waiver wire pickups: Look to Malik Monk, Kevon Looney, Virus forces Mexico City G League team to Texas. He averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists per game at Windermere Prep high school outside Orlando, Florida, as a sophomore in 2019-20, shooting 47% from 3-point range and establishing himself as a potential five-star recruit. I can only work harder to achieve what they have achieved. Fanbo Zeng, China's top basketball prospect, is decommitting from Gonzaga and planning to join the NBA G League Ignite, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania. College Windermere Prep (Fla.) Playing in China in 2022-23. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value. 3 Tennessee suspends baseball coach Vitello, FSU AD: Lagging ACC revenue 'has to change', Huskers volleyball set for outdoors to spike crowd, Projecting the NCAA men's hockey tournament field, College baseball 2023 Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list -- favorites, sleeper picks, Women's college hockey: Top players, key storylines, Frozen Four picks, Men's college hockey: Top teams, best players, Frozen Four picks, U-M's Hutchins, NCAA softball wins leader, retires. "In high school, I defended everyone: guards, forwards and even big men. I already can't wait to join.". That doesn't include Zeng, who wasn't previously considered a candidate to join this upcoming draft class. "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. Zeng spent three years playing high school basketball in Oregon and Florida but returned to China at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, originally committing to Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others before electing to pursue the professional route. That was definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. [2] For his freshman year of high school, Zeng moved to the United States, enrolling at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Florida. Fanbo Zeng, the No. He is still immature physically so getting stronger is an area for growth. That's one of the important goals I have at Gonzaga. Fanbo Zeng was once a top ranked high school prospect. Growing 2 inches has helped me jump higher and improve my defense and rebounding.". 33 prospect in the Class of 2022, has committed to play for Gonzaga, he told ESPN. The transition to Gonzaga will be so much easier because of that," Zeng said. He downplayed comparisons to former Chinese NBA players. A gamer and a winner. "Most importantly, I wish I can contribute wearing the Chinese national jersey and represent my country on a global stage. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Despite being previously classified as a high school senior in the United States, Zeng already has completed his coursework to graduate high school, agent Jiacheng Roman Liu told ESPN, making him eligible to enter the 2022 draft, which he plans to do. 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