KUALA LUMPUR (Mageshwaran’s AsiaScope) - There was this fleeting moment at the end of the gold medal game at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games when one Chinese player stood tall – literally – wearing all the medals won by the team, after the rest of the team chose to dedicate the gold medal to him.

The 11 teammates of Wang Zhizhi stood in front of the ‘Master’ bowing their heads in respect and it was widely rumored that the world of basketball had seen the last of him as a player.

But two years on, Wang Zhizhi continues to hold the same respect and reputation among his Chinese teammates – sending the same fear and fright among his rivals as he has in his long career – as he looks ahead to his fourth Olympic appearance this summer.

For the uninitiated, Wang Zhizhi was the pioneer of the NBA route for Chinese players, becoming the first-ever player from the world’s most populous country to enter the hallowed turf of basketball when he was drafted by Dallas Mavericks in 1999 – a good three years before the Yao Ming mania began.

Much before that, Wang Zhizhi had made his debut at the Olympics by averaging 11.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while leading China into their first Quarter-Final appearance at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Form as they say is momentary, but class as in the case of Wang Zhizhi, has been permanent. There’s no doubting this.

The role Wang Zhizhi played at the Guangzhou Asian Games and more recently – and crucially – at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship last year, where China won the gold to qualify for 2012 London Olympics needs no elaboration.

Wang Zhizhi being a man of very few words, has kept a studied silence throughout the Olympic preparations, but the current coach Bob Donewald Jr has no limit of words to praise the most senior member of his team.

"For sure I am lucky as a coach to have him," says Donewald.

"This will be his last Olympics and what a great career and moment that will be. Next Olympics – Team China without him will seem strange," he added.

"First of all, no player in the history of Chinese basketball has seen both the highest of highs and also some very difficult and tough moments. Now, as an older player who has experienced so much, he can share and lead the youngsters both on and off the floor. He is a great person, a fine example, and still very talented."

But is the longevity of his career the only positive Wang Zhizhi brings to the table? Not according to Donewald.

"His poise in pressure situations is amazing. Also his reads offensively, his ability to see the game and make the right play is special. Late game – especially big games – he makes big plays," he pointed out.

“His entire play is always for the good of the team. He isn’t known for his defense, but right now is giving more at that end of the floor than ever before.

"Also, as a scorer he is a guy that likes to pass and make his teammates better. When your shooters like to pass the offense becomes a lot easier to play."

But, where does the “setting the example” come from?

“He is a pro – takes care of his body. You don’t have to worry about his nightlife because he gets his rest.  He cares so much about his country that he is very conscious of always doing the right thing,” Donewald explained.

As China step into the post-Yao Ming era, if there is any player who can steer them forward – and aim for their best finish at an Olympics – it is Wang Zhizhi, who incidentally is one of those who made his name before the Yao Ming era.

So long…

S Mageshwaran

FIBA Asia

FIBA’s columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

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