FIBA Basketball
CHN - Wang back in China
BEIJING (FIBA World Championship) - Wang Zhizhi, the first Asian ever to play in the NBA, has returned to China in the hopes of repairing his relationship with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and getting back into the national team
BEIJING (FIBA World Championship) - Wang Zhizhi, the first Asian ever to play in the NBA, has returned to China in the hopes of repairing his relationship with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and getting back into the national team.
The former Miami Heat center has not been home since refusing to attend a practice session for the national team four years ago.
However, China are keen to put together the strongest possible team ahead of hosting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and now it looks as though Wang will continue his career in his homeland.
Speaking to CCTV at Los Angeles airport before flying to Beijing, Wang expressed his desire to once again play for his country.
"It has been a long time. I am so glad to be coming back home," he said.
"The 2008 Beijing Olympics is a dream come true for every Chinese. I hope I can play as a national member."
"I have been away from my country for quite long time, and I am so delighted that I can be back home this time to meet my parents," said Wang who has a longer-term ambition.
"The 2008 Beijing Olympics is the dream of every Chinese person - it is no exception for me. I hope I could play for China then to contribute my strength."
He apologised for what he considers past mistakes, saying: "I was too young to make the right decision in the past when I chose to stay in USA.
"I made the wrong decision and I hereby apologise to all the Chinese people. I hope I can make up for my mistakes through my behaviour and performances in the future.
"I want to thank the general political department, thank Bayi Team and the CBA for giving me a chance. I will train hard and play to my best on the court. Let's meet up on court!"
The 7ft 1in Wang endured a difficult time in the NBA, playing sparingly for his first team the Dallas Mavericks before spells with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Heat. He was cut by Miami last season.
The CBA has been attempting to lure Wang back since 2002 but he was initially unresponsive.
As a result, he missed the FIBA World Championship and Asian Games in 2002, as well as the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
However, he made moves of his own to contact the CBA beginning in 2005, and culminating in this week's return to Beijing.
The CBA is now hoping Wang will return in time for the FIBA World Championship in Japan this August, as well as the Asian Games in Doha in December.
Wang, who averaged 22.8 points and 8.9 rebounds in leading the Chinese military club Bayi to consecutive CBA titles between 1996 and 2001, is wanted to play as power forward with Yao Ming at center.
PA Sport
The former Miami Heat center has not been home since refusing to attend a practice session for the national team four years ago.
However, China are keen to put together the strongest possible team ahead of hosting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and now it looks as though Wang will continue his career in his homeland.
Speaking to CCTV at Los Angeles airport before flying to Beijing, Wang expressed his desire to once again play for his country.
"It has been a long time. I am so glad to be coming back home," he said.
"The 2008 Beijing Olympics is a dream come true for every Chinese. I hope I can play as a national member."
"I have been away from my country for quite long time, and I am so delighted that I can be back home this time to meet my parents," said Wang who has a longer-term ambition.
"The 2008 Beijing Olympics is the dream of every Chinese person - it is no exception for me. I hope I could play for China then to contribute my strength."
He apologised for what he considers past mistakes, saying: "I was too young to make the right decision in the past when I chose to stay in USA.
"I made the wrong decision and I hereby apologise to all the Chinese people. I hope I can make up for my mistakes through my behaviour and performances in the future.
"I want to thank the general political department, thank Bayi Team and the CBA for giving me a chance. I will train hard and play to my best on the court. Let's meet up on court!"
The 7ft 1in Wang endured a difficult time in the NBA, playing sparingly for his first team the Dallas Mavericks before spells with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Heat. He was cut by Miami last season.
The CBA has been attempting to lure Wang back since 2002 but he was initially unresponsive.
As a result, he missed the FIBA World Championship and Asian Games in 2002, as well as the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
However, he made moves of his own to contact the CBA beginning in 2005, and culminating in this week's return to Beijing.
The CBA is now hoping Wang will return in time for the FIBA World Championship in Japan this August, as well as the Asian Games in Doha in December.
Wang, who averaged 22.8 points and 8.9 rebounds in leading the Chinese military club Bayi to consecutive CBA titles between 1996 and 2001, is wanted to play as power forward with Yao Ming at center.
PA Sport