CHN – Zhang Bo’s tearful meeting with China coach

BEIJING GAMES (2010 FIBA World Championship) - If Zhang Bo was a little known basketball player of the Bayi Rockets one month ago, he’s now one of the country's most famous sportsmen.

That's because Zhang has taken on the lead role in a Chinese national team soap opera.

Included in the national team squad by new American coach Bob Donewald, the 19-year-old Zhang impressed in training and began to make a case not only for playing time but a spot in the starting line-up.

Then came a transgression that cost him his spot in the team.

Zhang missed an 11pm curfew.

Donewald let it be known that no player would be allowed to break the rules without paying the consequences.

While the player has shown contrition, Zhang, a member of the China team at the FIBA U19 World Championship in 2007, has not been allowed back onto the team.

Donewald has, however, allowed him to train with the national side but not wear a China shirt.

Zhang met with Donewald after coming back into the fold, at least partially, and the coach shared some insight into their discussion.

"Last night he and I talked for a long time," said Donewald, whose remarks were published on cbachina163.com.

"He was crying in front of me very badly. I know that he has recognized his mistake."

Donewald, who is the son of a coach, believes in the long term Zhang is going to learn from his mistake.

The coach went on to say that youngsters need to have discipline on and off the court and that hopefully Zhang will be a better man because of it.

Donewald, who is also the coach of Shanghai in the CBA, will lead China in Group C at the FIBA World Championship against hosts Turkey, Greece, Ivory Coast, Russia and Puerto Rico.

FIBA