CHN - The learning curve

TOKYO (FIBA Asia Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Wang Zhelin and China didn't win the FIBA Asia Cup that was just played in Japan, yet they did do one very important thing.

Youngsters in a national team that is still in a period of transition following the retirement of Yao Ming were able to obtain invaluable experience.

The end result of China's participation in the competition was fifth place, and a better understanding for the country's up-and-coming players of what it's going to take to be able to compete at the highest level.

No Chinese player garnered more attention before, during and after the FIBA Asia Cup than Wang, a player who wowed fans at the Nike Hoop Summit back in April with 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

Earlier this summer, he led China to victory in Mongolia at the 22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship.

The 19-year-old, who stands 2.14m in height, took a philosophical view of his team's performance at the Asia Cup after their defeat to hosts Japan in the Quarter-Finals, 60-50.

"We have a lot of positives to take back," he said.

"For one, all of us tried our best.

"On that count, nobody can doubt us.

"No team could take us for granted although we are all very young.

"The most important lesson we take back from this participation is the overall experience of playing at this level."

Wang averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game.

He had come close to earning a spot on China's Olympic team yet did not make the final cut.

It remains to be seen if Wang will be in the squad next year at the FIBA Asia Championship in Lebanon but the chances are pretty good that he will.

At that event, China will attempt to earn a spot at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

For now, the Asia Cup is what Wang is reflecting on.

Speaking to the FIBA Asia website, he said: "I have learned that I need to learn more.

"That's the biggest lesson."

FIBA