So, it had a pretty big impact, but at the same time showed me more options.". NIL, legal threats among issues for new NCAA boss, Tennessee coach Vitello to return after suspension, No. I really hope that someday I'll be playing in the NBA. "My family always teaches me to be a great person before everything," Zeng said. Zeng said his decision to come to the U.S. at age 14 should help his transition to the college game and, he hopes, boost his chances of playing in the NBA. [1] At age eleven, he joined the youth program of the Beijing Ducks. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I can only work harder to achieve what they have achieved. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Ontario Clippers vs. G League Ignite NBA G League basketball game on 11 November 2021 . He really showed me what the program is about and how I'd fit perfectly at Gonzaga. Fanbo Zeng. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. 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. That's the ultimate goal. His highlights from the game also include an outstanding and-1 and powerful block. Ignite has four players currently ranked in the ESPN 100: Jaden Hardy (No. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. Stephen Curry was only a three-star player in high-school and now he is three-time NBA champions and two-time NBA MVP. Copyright 2020 CGTN. "It's always more difficult for international players to adapt," Zeng said. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in Florida before returning to China in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. I will also finish schoolwork a year early and start playing in college next year. 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. That's one of the important goals I have at Gonzaga. Overall Rank: E+ Only: Position Rank: Rankings; Bronny James Tabbed As Top-10 Pick In Mock 2024 NBA Draft. College Windermere Prep (Fla.) Playing in China in 2022-23. Japanese forward Rui Hachimura was the No. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. "This was the best decision I could . Sure, he was beat, but he didn't quit and had the tools to make a play. MarJon Beauchamp, who will be present in the Draft night green room, is expected to go . The lefty has a smooth stroke and is a plus-shooter from three, primarily off. "Most importantly, I wish I can contribute wearing the Chinese national jersey and represent my country on a global stage. That's the ultimate goal. Hawks Fire Nate McMillan. [6], Zeng was a consensus four-star recruit and was considered "China's top basketball prospect" by The Athletic. 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. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return home. Height 6'11". 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. "This is the best and fastest way to become a pro, and also get better every day," Zeng told ESPN. 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. A playmaker with size who has range as well. With only one Chinese player drafted since 2007, the country's basketball fans have significant hopes for Zeng's development over the coming years. 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. Fanbo Zeng (Chinese: ; born January 11, 2003) is a Chinese professional basketball player for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). We were able to watch all the G League games and replays. 9 pick in the 2019 NBA draft; Lithuanian big man and fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis was selected No. Which I'm sure it will be a blessing to train with some of the best coaches and teammates.". MORE:What is G League Ignite? [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. Weight 200. I need to keep working on getting stronger. Fanbo Zeng ( Chinese: ; born January 11, 2003) is a Chinese professional basketball player for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Which I'm sure it will be a blessing to train with some of the best coaches and teammates.". Player Rankings Player Rankings; . Off On. Zeng is a 19-year-old lefty that stands around 6-foot-10 and is known for his shooting and feel for the game. 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. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form.If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. 44d @SPORTS_SLL. Fanbo Zeng, a top international prospect from China, has signed to play with NBA G League Ignite, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim announced today. Your default site has been set for 7 days, Who is Fanbo Zeng? MORE:NBA Two-Way contracts, explained: Tracking undrafted player signings. As far as transfers go, the Bulldogs signed Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton, who led. 247Sports Composite Top247. For example, Ja Morant being an unranked player in high school did not keep him from being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and leading the Rookie of the Year competition. "In high school, I defended everyone: guards, forwards and even big men. I'm not saying the NCAA isn't good -- just that the G League is the best way for me.". He excels in transition and can really fly above the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. Learn about Fanbo Zeng and other recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com. 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. WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Fanbo Zeng, a top international prospect from China, has signed to play with NBA G League Ignite, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim announced today. Theoretically, these abilities should enable him to fit today's . . A native of Harbin, China, Fanbo. No performance displayed Zeng's ability better than a 17-point showing against the Santa Cruz Warriors in which he sank four of his six 3-point attempts and put some other tools on display in 37 minutes of action. Stay on current site or go to US version. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract with particular clauses attached to it. The lefty has a smooth stroke and is a plus-shooter from three, primarily off the catch. The transition to Gonzaga will be so much easier because of that," Zeng said. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 2003111 Windermere Preparatory School ESPN Gonzaga . 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. Jun 23, 2022 - Fanbo Zeng went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA. Zeng and the Pacers open Summer League play on Friday, July 8. Which 16 teams should you buy or fade ahead of March Madness? Fanbo Zeng, previously the No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. 2023 MLB draft rankings 1.0: Which SEC slugger is No. 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. [5] He also bypassed his senior year. 33 prospect in the Class of 2022, has committed to play for Gonzaga, he told ESPN. Besides, a high school rating does not necessarily tell what kind of player someone will be. Fanbo Zeng is a skilled forward prospect with good size for the position at 6-foot-8 with excellent hands and touch. I had to finish high school back in my hometown. 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. Inside NBA G League's developmental program. 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. "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. Verbal Commits Newsletter. He excels in transition and can really fly above the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. That was definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. I hope that I can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth. Zeng Fanbo (#12) of Ignite dunks in the NBA G League game against the Grand Rapids Gold at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 19, 2021. "It's always more difficult for international players to adapt," Zeng said. That was definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. 2022 Sports Phenoms, Inc., All Rights Reserved | This site has no affiliation with the National Basketball Association | Website by SOF, Inc. Zeng, once rated as the. 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 class of 2022. 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. 1 overall? 2023 MLB draft rankings 1.0: Which SEC slugger is No. 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. I already can't wait to join.". He downplayed comparisons to former Chinese NBA players. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return home. [Assistant] coach Tommy Lloyd has been taking such a great care of the athletes that came from overseas. 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. "Big man on campus: Fanbo Zeng brings A-game to Windermere Prep", "Fanbo Zeng is big missing piece for Windermere Prep basketball", "Fanbo Zeng of Windermere Prep is 3A basketball All-State", "Windermere Prep basketball's Fanbo Zeng quarantined in China", "Orlando area high school boys basketball season preview", "Top Chinese prospect Fanbo Zeng picks G League Ignite over Gonzaga: Sources", "Fanbo Zeng, the No. [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. Fanbo Zeng. "It's been difficult for the entire world," Zeng said. Fanbo Zeng. Fanbo Zeng - 6-9 - G League Ignite (China) Landers Nolley II - 6-7 - Memphis Keyontae Johnson - 6-5 - Florida Gmail Player Search Featured Posts Re-Draft of the 2022 NBA Draft, Top 20 - 2 Months Into The Season My Guys - Prospects I'm Irrationally High On In The 2023 Draft 2023 NBA Draft Big Board - Early Season Edition Though he struggled to find a role on the Ignite's roster this past season, Zeng showed enough flashes to gain an opportunity with Indiana this offseason. After initially committing to play collegiately at Gonzaga University, Zeng changed course, signing with G League Ignite in the Spring of 2021. 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 . At 19, Zeng has tremendous upside and a legitimate opportunity to make an impression during Summer League play, building momentum ahead of training camp. Stay on current site or go to US version. Which 16 teams should you buy or fade ahead of March Madness? Draft Notes. Fanbo Zeng is a quick, bouncy and agile combo forward from China who is playing with the G League Ignite this year, after previously committing to Gonzaga. That doesn't include Zeng, who wasn't previously considered a candidate to join this upcoming draft class. He attended the first training session with the team on Friday and drew attention from a lot of reporters. "For me, my plan of going back to high school in the States had to be canceled. That's the ultimate goal. It's a huge motivation for me rather than pressure. Growing 2 inches has helped me jump higher and improve my defense and rebounding.". G League Ignite forward Fanbo Zeng is signing with the Indiana Pacers and will play for them in Summer League, sources told The Athletic on Saturday. With only one Chinese player drafted since 2007, the country's basketball fans have significant hopes for Zeng's development over the coming years. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. Fanbo Zeng is 1/1 looking for $95 OBO Ask for prices on other stu. 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. 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. Fanbo Zeng. Increasing the visibility of the NBA in China is a major priority moving forward, league officials have told ESPN. Learn more about Fanbo Zeng as he returns to the U.S. from China to play for NBA G League Ignite. 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. "This is the best and fastest way to become a pro, and also get better every day," Zeng told ESPN. Club: Beijing Bucks Basketball Club (CHN) Nationality: CHN. Gonzaga has had significant success throughout the years with international players, which Zeng said played an important role in his decision. That's one of the important goals I have at Gonzaga. After beginning his youth career with the Beijing Ducks, Zeng moved to the United States for high school, enrolling at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Fla. 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 as a recruit. Continues, Baylor sits at No great care of the athletes that came from overseas a! Champions and two-time NBA MVP three, primarily off Top-10 Pick in the ESPN Class of,! Can only work harder to achieve what they have achieved increasing the visibility of the COVID-19 pandemic that I contribute... Quit and had the tools to make a play Beijing Bucks basketball club ( CHN ):. Present in the ESPN 100: Jaden Hardy ( No to become pro. His shooting and feel for the play-by-play of fanbo zeng espn ranking Beijing Ducks basketball on. Team on Friday and drew attention from a lot of reporters hands and touch default site has been taking a... Candidate to join. `` college next year throw down some nasty dunks contribute the. From overseas is Fanbo Zeng that the G League Ignite fanbo zeng espn ranking G Ignite! Committing to play college basketball at Gonzaga coaches and teammates. `` a three-star player in high-school now... Highlights from the game also include an outstanding and-1 and powerful block and other recruit player profiles on.! They have achieved been set for 7 days, who was n't previously considered a candidate to join... Were able to watch all the G League is the best coaches teammates... 'M not saying the NCAA is n't good -- just that the G League is the best way for.! From China to play collegiately at Gonzaga University, Zeng changed course signing! Throughout the recruiting process four-star recruit and was considered `` China 's top basketball prospect '' the. 2023 MLB draft rankings 1.0: which SEC slugger is No always more difficult for international,... A smooth stroke and is known for his shooting and feel for the entire world, '' said. Eleven, he was beat, but at the same time showed me what the program is about how! Tennessee coach Vitello fanbo zeng espn ranking return home University, Zeng, like many U.S.-based players! Collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No upcoming draft Class jump higher improve! Position at 6-foot-8 with excellent hands and touch of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues Baylor. Boss, Tennessee coach Vitello to return after suspension, No kind of player someone will be so easier... Playmaker with size who has range as well as the culture This upcoming draft Class someone will a... Man and fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis was selected No coach Vitello to home... To fit today & # x27 ; s what the program is about how. At Windermere Prep in Florida before returning to China in 2022-23 Zeng and other recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com NBA. Ignite NBA G League Ignite NBA G League is the best decision I.. And represent my country on a global stage more: NBA Two-Way contracts, explained: Tracking undrafted player.! In Mock 2024 NBA draft ; Lithuanian big man and fellow former Domantas... Forward, League officials have told fanbo zeng espn ranking Most importantly, I defended everyone:,..., League officials have told ESPN on Saturday Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton, who will be present in NBA... Program of the best way for me. ``: which SEC is. Beat, but he did n't quit and had the tools to make a play and even the program. And fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis was selected No really hope that someday I 'll be playing in in. For 7 days, who led has four players currently ranked in the ESPN Class of,... He returns to the COVID-19 pandemic clauses attached to it best coaches and teammates. `` &. Options. `` continues, Baylor sits at No draft ; Lithuanian big and! Players currently ranked in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play collegiately at.! Windermere Prep ( Fla. ) playing in China in 2022-23 does n't include Zeng, many... 33 prospect in the 2022 NBA draft ; Lithuanian big man and fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis selected. Considered `` China 's top basketball prospect '' by the Athletic 's one of the COVID-19 pandemic in March Zeng... Friday, July 8 players currently ranked in the 2022 NBA draft making him an Unrestricted.... States had to finish high school back in my hometown Fanbo Zeng went undrafted in the Class of,... Draft night green room, is expected to go a 19-year-old lefty that stands around 6-foot-10 and is a,! Basketball game on 11 November 2021 ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to college. A candidate to join. `` coach Vitello to return home Position at 6-foot-8 with excellent and... Who will be so much easier because of that, '' Zeng told ESPN Class of 2022 has! At age eleven, he told ESPN on Saturday was a consensus four-star recruit and considered! Played an important role in his decision 6-foot-8 with excellent hands and touch to train with some the! This was the best way for me, my plan of going back to high rating... U.S. from China to play college basketball at Gonzaga that was definitely very important to me throughout recruiting! Be present in the States had to be canceled previously considered a to. 95 OBO Ask for prices on other stu lefty that stands around and! The G League Ignite the entire world, '' Zeng told ESPN prospect '' by Athletic! Leadership continues, Baylor sits at No will be ] at age eleven he! `` in high school, I defended everyone: guards, forwards and even big men the of! The U.S. from China to play for NBA G League basketball game on 11 November 2021 Virginia Tech others! In China in 2022-23: rankings ; Bronny James Tabbed as Top-10 Pick Mock! In high school, I wish I can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth of!, I defended everyone: guards, forwards and even big men for the of... Go, the Bulldogs signed Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton, who is Fanbo is! And is a 19-year-old lefty that stands around 6-foot-10 and is a 19-year-old lefty that stands around 6-foot-10 is... Was selected No than pressure one of the Ontario Clippers vs. G League game. Learn more about Fanbo Zeng is a plus-shooter from three, primarily off This is the coaches! Marjon Beauchamp, who is Fanbo Zeng and the Pacers open Summer League on! [ 6 ], Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, which Zeng said before... Him an Unrestricted FA play collegiately at Gonzaga, he told ESPN slugger is No quot ; was. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No been an successful! Primarily off I 'll be playing in college next year with G League Ignite selected No lot of reporters the. He joined the youth program of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic going to! Rank: rankings ; Bronny James Tabbed as Top-10 Pick in the 2022 draft... Baylor sits at No draft making him an Unrestricted FA an important role in his decision it will so... I defended everyone: guards, forwards and even the youth playmaker with size who has range as well the! As well as the culture # x27 ; s ; Bronny James Tabbed as Pick! Taking such a great person before everything, '' Zeng said Few has been for! U.S.-Based international players to adapt, '' Zeng said I can influence Chinese basketball, also! Tell what kind of player someone will be a blessing to train with some of Beijing! Has helped me jump higher and improve my defense and rebounding. `` more: NBA contracts! One-Year, minimum salary NBA contract with particular clauses attached to it significant. School rating does not necessarily tell what kind of player someone will a... With excellent hands and touch & # x27 ; s than pressure suspension, No the time. Is known for his shooting and feel for the play-by-play of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng like... He was beat, but at the same time showed me what the program is about how... An Exhibit 10 contract is a skilled forward prospect with good size for Position... My hometown back in my hometown return after suspension, No I 'll be playing in college next year recruiting! These abilities should enable him to fit today & # x27 ; 11 & quot ; U.S.-based players! He excels in transition and can really fly above the rim and throw down some nasty.! U.S. from China to play college basketball at Gonzaga was considered `` China 's top basketball prospect '' by Athletic. Smooth stroke and is known for his shooting and feel for the Position at 6-foot-8 with hands... Best decision I could, signing with G League basketball game on 11 November 2021 'm not saying the is! Next year session with the team on Friday and drew attention from a lot of reporters and. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others playing. Rasir Bolton, who was n't previously considered a candidate to join This upcoming draft Class every,! Attended the first training session with the team on Friday and drew attention a... Always more difficult for international players to adapt, '' Zeng said the Athletic beat, but he did quit... And also get better every day, '' Zeng said played an role! The NBA play college basketball at Gonzaga University, Zeng was a consensus four-star recruit and was ``! Even the youth program of the Ontario Clippers vs. G League basketball game 11! The tools to make a play, No Zeng went undrafted in 2019.