Wang Zhizhi Expelled from National Basketball Team

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, October 10, 2002

Wang Zhizhi Expelled from National Basketball Team

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced its decision September 9 afternoon to expel its former member Wang Zhizhi out of the national men's basketball team.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced its decision September 9 afternoon to expel its former member Wang Zhizhi out of the national men's basketball team.

According to agreements between CBA and Dallas Mavericks, Wang should serve the need of national team by returning to China and preparing for international matches after finishing NBA games in America in last May.

But Wang, after receiving CBA's notice demanding him to return home and join in training for the World Championships and the Asian Games, stayed in America under the excuse of personal need and training for NBA summer leagues, and further cut off contacts with CBA. After the leagues finished Wang refused to meet people from CBA and made clear his hope to say in NBA instead of returning to China, CBA's announcement said.

During a period as long as five months, China's team made many efforts in a hope to change Wang's mind, and publicly promised that Wang could continue its NBA training after the World Championships and the Asian Games as well as made corresponding preparations for him.

But Wang, regardless of professional codes, disciplines and national interests, stuck to his personal interests and chose not to return home and represent China in international games, CBA said.

Entered the "Bayi team" at the age of 14 and the national team at 18, Wang can not achieve so much today without training in his own country. It is every athlete's honor and responsibility to represent his country in international games, but Wang made the wrong decision when he was needed.

Since Wang has lost his professional and patriotic sprit, CBA decided to deprive him of the membership of national basketball team, the announcement concluded.

By PD Online Staff Li Heng

Wang Zhizhi's Profile

By signing a two-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks on April 4, Chinese center Wang Zhizhi is set to make a historical debut as the first Asian player to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the most competitive basketball league in the world.

At the 2000 Olympic Games, Wang averaged a team-leading 13.5 ppg and added five rebounds while playing only 26.8 minutes per game. He shot 53.7 percent from the field and 90 percent from the free throw line. He scored a team-high 13 points against the United States in the only game the two countries played.

Personal Info. of Wang
	Birth Date:	07/08/1977	Birthplace:	Beijing, China
	College	None
	Drafted	1999 Round 2 #36 Dallas Mavericks
Height:	7-1	Weight:	220

Questions?Comments? Click here

Center Wang Zhizhi Required to Join National Team

Wang Zhizhi to Play for Warriors in NBA Summer League

Mavericks Coach Predicts Bright Future for Chinese Center Wang Zhizhi

Fewer Slogans, More Practical, Reflect Social Changes in China ( 16 Messages)

Jiang Expects In-depth Discussion with US President ( 4 Messages)

China Slaps US Religious Freedom Report ( 2 Messages)

China Opposes US Congress Committee's Interference in China's Internal Affairs ( 9 Messages)

Multinationals Fight for Chinese Markets ( 27 Messages)