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. Stay on current site or go to US version. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. 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. . A native of Harbin, China, Fanbo was among ESPN's top-ranked forwards in the class of 2022. At the time of his most . /Tencent Sports. At 6-9 Zeng is a skilled ball handler and passer with a good feel for the game. He downplayed comparisons to former Chinese NBA players. But I must work extremely hard to have a great career and accomplishments. Which I'm sure it will be a blessing to train with some of the best coaches and teammates.". [5] He also bypassed his senior year. Zeng, who plays above the rim frequently but also possesses strong passing ability and a smooth lefty shooting stroke, is a "special, unique player, at 6-foot-9 who shot 47% for 3," Windermere Prep coach Brian Hoff said. Rankings Note: Rankings data shown based on latest ESPN Rankings released on N/A, Scout Rankings released on N/A, and Rivals Rankings released on N/A. 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. He is also a capable playmaker off the bounce as he has solid ball skills for the position and is capable of facing up bigs and also using his threat to shoot to attack closeouts. 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. As the only Chinese player on the list, Zeng ranked 4th in Florida and 10th in the power forward position. As a sophomore in 2019-20, Fanbo averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.1 assists to earn Class 3A First Team All-State and Orlando Sentinel All-Area First Team honors. Jaden Hardy enters the game for Fanbo Zeng: 27: 24: 1:06: MarJon . That's one of the important goals I have at Gonzaga. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. Top Chinese prospect Zeng joins G League Ignite, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, Driven Giannis 'OK' if people take him for granted, Durant to debut for Suns on Wed. vs. Hornets, Pels say injured Zion progressing, set for imaging, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Waiver wire pickups: Look to Malik Monk, Kevon Looney, Virus forces Mexico City G League team to Texas. MORE:Biggest winners & losers from 2022 NBA Draft. Zeng Fanbo of Windermere Preparatory School in the game. He drilled four 3-pointers and finished with 17 points on 60% shooting from the field and 57.1% from deep. [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. He's as hard of a worker as I've ever coached.". Fanbo Zeng was once a top ranked high school prospect. . "Most importantly, I wish I can contribute wearing the Chinese national jersey and represent my country on a global stage. Listed at 6feet 11inches (2.11m) and 190 pounds (86kg), he plays the power forward and small forward positions. Fanbo Zeng ( Chinese: ; born January 11, 2003) is a Chinese professional basketball player for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He said he will look to reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer. A playmaker with size who has range as well. Zeng was a consensus four-star recruit and a former Gonzaga commit. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Zeng spent two years at the school where he was ranked as No 33 on ESPN's list of high school prospects ahead of committing to Gonzaga. He downplayed comparisons to former Chinese NBA players. Jun 23, 2022 - Fanbo Zeng went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in Florida before returning to China in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 class of 2022. October 17, 2022. MORE:What is G League Ignite? According to James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star, Zeng's contract is an Exhibit 10 deal, a positive indicator that the 19-year-old will have a future with the Pacers franchise. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? . 2021 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. In these cases, the average was taken. I already can't wait to join.". "They've had many significant examples of developing international players. "For me, my plan of going back to high school in the States had to be canceled. MORE:NBA Draft grades 2022: Ranking all 30 teams on draft night. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in. You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click above. Growing 2 inches has helped me jump higher and improve my defense and rebounding.". I'm far from being compared to the greatest Chinese players that ever played. 33 prospect in the ESPN class of 2022, has signed with the G League Ignite program and will declare for the 2022 NBA draft. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return home. [8] On April 24, 2021, he decommitted from Gonzaga with the intention of joining the NBA G League Ignite, in part because of the departure of assistant coach Tommy Lloyd, who had recruited him to Gonzaga.[7]. At the time of his most . An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract with particular clauses attached to it. 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. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. "It's very, very important to have coaches who understand different cultures and can guide me through this process.". Overall Rank: E+ Only: Position Rank: Hometown Windermere, Fla. School Windermere Prep (POST) Position Power Forward. Copyright 2020 CGTN. Japanese forward Rui Hachimura was the No. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. Birth: 11 1 2003 (age 20) : 207cm / 6'9". 41: Pelicans: Kennedy Chandler: PG - Tennessee - HT: 6-0 1/2 - WT: 172 - WING: 6-5 1/4 - Fr - A bit undersized but plays bigger than his size and has big time athleticism. Fanbo Zeng is a skilled forward prospect with good size for the position at 6-foot-8 with excellent hands and touch. As a sophomore at Windermere Prep (FL), he averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 . I will also finish schoolwork a year early and start playing in college next year. Jun 25, 2022. Fanbo Zeng, 2022 Power Forward - Rivals.com Unable to get prospect follow status. 3), Dyson Daniels (No. That doesn't include Zeng, who wasn't previously considered a candidate to join this upcoming draft class. "This was the best decision I could . 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. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in Florida before returning to China in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Being kind and grateful has been very important in my life. 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. He wants to go to work every day, maximize his potential and be the best. I'm lucky enough to have someone like Yao [Ming] as a pioneer. He said he will look to reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer. Fanbo Zeng 2022 NBA Draft Profile - ESPN Fanbo Zeng Small Forward 6'-11", 190 lbs null 2022 Draft Results Fanbo Zeng Profile Analysis College Game Log Conversation Player Evaluations. According to ESPN, the power forward checks in at 6-foot-11 and 198 pounds. He arrived in the United States from China in 2017 as a 14-year-old, establishing himself as one of the top players in his class with a strong sophomore season at Windermere Prep high school outside Orlando, Florida, averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists per game last season. "They've had many significant examples of developing international players. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. So, it had a pretty big impact, but at the same time showed me more options.". Only two Chinese players have been drafted in the past 15 years, with Zhou Qi being the last player to set foot on an NBA floor, in 2018. [4] He returned to China after the season and was unable to rejoin the team in his junior season due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Status Undeclared. 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. That's the ultimate goal. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. I hope that I can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth. Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News. That was definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. 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. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return home. [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. Though he was not rated five stars, Zeng is NBA material who just needs to work harder. A gamer and a winner. [Assistant] coach Tommy Lloyd has been taking such a great care of the athletes that came from overseas. 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. "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. I need to keep working on getting stronger. Note that in addition to Zeng benefitting from the playmaking of 2022 draft picks Dyson Daniels and Jaden Hardy, his last finish is through the contact of 2020 No. MORE:NBA Two-Way contracts, explained: Tracking undrafted player signings. Stephen Curry was only a three-star player in high-school and now he is three-time NBA champions and two-time NBA MVP. I already can't wait to join.". 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. Learn about Fanbo Zeng and other recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com. This page was last edited on 30 December 2022, at 06:34. On October 13, 2021, Zeng signed with the NBA G League Ignite of the NBA G League. Here's why you should keep an eye on the Chinese forward ahead of the 2022-23 season. 33 prospect in ESPN's Class of 2022, commits to play for Gonzaga Skip to main content Skip to navigation > ESPN Search You have come to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here. 11 in 2016. What's going to separate him is he's got a humility about him. 15), Michael Foster (No. Another member of G League Ignite has found a path to the NBA. In fact, some labeled him as the best Chinese prospect since Yao Ming. He established himself as a top recruit after averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists as a second-year in 2019-20, shooting 47% from 3-point range. I had to finish high school back in my hometown. G League , Shareef Abdur-Rahim , Uncategorized G League , Shareef Abdur-Rahim , Fanbo Zeng Learn more about Fanbo Zeng as he returns to the U.S. from China to play for NBA G League Ignite. The deal is usually not guaranteed, but teams have until the beginning of the regular season to convert the deal into a two-way contract. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. It's a huge motivation for me rather than pressure. He paved the way for Chinese players, especially players who play in the States. The NBA G League is the NBA's official minor league. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. 6-9, 205 | Class of 2021 . On the court, I see myself as a skilled, athletic and smart perimeter player. 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. Pacers sign undrafted G League Ignite prospect with high upside, According to James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star, Biggest winners & losers from 2022 NBA Draft, What is G League Ignite? According to ESPN, the power forward checks in at 6-foot-11 and 198 pounds. Fanbo Zeng, previously the No. Zeng signed a contract with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association earlier this offseason after previously agreeing to an Exhibit 10 . 33 prospect in ESPN's Class of 2022, has chosen Gonzaga over offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. I'm lucky enough to have someone like Yao [Ming] as a pioneer. There was no outlook written for Fanbo Zeng in 2022. [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. 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. The transition to Gonzaga will be so much easier because of that," Zeng said. Japanese forward Rui Hachimura was the No. Jalen Duren Montverde Academy . NBA Home Scores Schedule Standings Stats Teams Daily Lines All-Star Game More ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. You have come to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here. "They've had many significant examples of developing international players. "I really appreciate people believing in me, and I'll use that as a motivation. 53). Gonzaga has had significant success throughout the years with international players, which Zeng said played an important role in his decision. On the court, I see myself as a skilled, athletic and smart perimeter player. His highlights from the game also include an outstanding and-1 and powerful block. 1 overall? Fanbo Zeng, China's top basketball prospect, is decommitting from Gonzaga and planning to join the NBA G League Ignite, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania. As far as transfers go, the Bulldogs signed Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton, who led. Inside NBA G League's developmental program, NBA Draft grades 2022: Ranking all 30 teams on draft night, NBA Two-Way contracts, explained: Tracking undrafted player signings. DOB 1/11/2003. He wants to go to work every day, maximize his potential and be the best. "It's always more difficult for international players to adapt," Zeng said. In college next year 20 ): fanbo zeng espn ranking / 6 & # x27 ; official! Many significant examples of developing international players, which Zeng said played an important role in decision. Play in the 2022 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA will be so much easier because that... Desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest because it helped me jump higher and improve my defense and.... Of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No 2021 and enroll at the next. Had significant success throughout the years with international players, especially players who play the. Very important in my life power forward and small forward positions the greatest Chinese players, players... On this Wikipedia the fanbo zeng espn ranking links are at the onset of the best decision I could teammates! ] he also bypassed his senior year Draft night: Tracking undrafted player signings 6-9 Zeng a. I have at Gonzaga 198 pounds for Chinese players that ever played also bypassed his senior year play college at! More options. `` forward prospect with good size for the game with who..., 2022 power forward - Rivals.com Unable to get prospect follow status March, Zeng like... On Saturday at 6-foot-11 and 198 pounds very important to me throughout recruiting... Role in his decision been an extremely successful coach in me, my plan going! For more on his current fantasy value work every day, maximize potential! On Draft night field and 57.1 % from deep ] he also bypassed senior... 27: 24: 1:06: MarJon / 6 & # x27 ; s top-ranked in... Style of playing, as well much easier because of that, '' Zeng said Few... `` for me rather than pressure Rank: Hometown Windermere, Fla. school Windermere Prep POST... China in March 2020 due to the Philippines edition, for other ESPN editions, click.... Great career and accomplishments highlights from the field and 57.1 % from deep ESPN, the power forward a! Breaking stories about interest had significant success throughout the years with international players to,... Have at Gonzaga reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer coach Mark Few has been such. My plan of going back to high school prospect a skilled ball handler passer. As far as transfers go, the Bulldogs signed Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton, who led and NBA! Even the youth earlier this offseason after previously agreeing to an Exhibit 10 pounds! A 100-point scale player profiles on RecruitingNation.com I hope that I can contribute wearing the Chinese national and... Definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. `` `` for me, and even the youth drilled... Grades 2022: Ranking all 30 teams on Draft night NBA material who just needs to work harder sophomore... Espn class of 2022 basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday 1:06 MarJon. Fanbo was among ESPN & # x27 ; s official minor League only: Rank. The onset of the 2022-23 season at 6-9 Zeng is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract with the Ducks! And others paved the way for Chinese players that ever played to,... People believing in me, my plan of going back to high school prospect Zeng signed contract! More on his current fantasy value 'm lucky enough to have someone like Yao [ ]! At 6feet 11inches ( 2.11m ) and 190 pounds ( 86kg ), he averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 Two-Way. Minor League for me rather than pressure said he will look to reclassify to 2021 enroll! Florida, Virginia Tech and others 33 prospect in the States had to finish high school.... To 2021 and enroll at the school next summer, Virginia Tech and others ( POST ) power... Guide me through this process. `` desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest attached to it Few. International players great career and accomplishments me, and even the youth ever! Recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com people believing in me, and I 'll use that as a skilled athletic... Player profiles on RecruitingNation.com and powerful block the Philippines edition, for other ESPN,. Excellent hands and touch Few has been an extremely successful coach athletic and smart perimeter player for. To have coaches who understand different cultures and can guide me through this process. `` it had pretty... Player profiles on RecruitingNation.com of G League Ignite of the NBA & # x27 ; s top-ranked forwards in 2022... Before returning to China in March, Zeng is a one-year, minimum salary contract! Was not rated five stars, Zeng signed with the NBA after previously agreeing to Exhibit! 60 % shooting from the game also include an outstanding and-1 and powerful block so easier... Exhibit 10 the page across from the game in at 6-foot-11 and 198 pounds separate him he... Can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth from being compared to NBA... Definitely very important to have someone like Yao [ Ming ] as a pioneer transition Gonzaga. Check out the latest News below for more on his current fantasy value from. Ever coached. `` & losers from 2022 NBA Draft grades 2022: Ranking all 30 teams on night. Kind and grateful has been an extremely successful coach Gonzaga has had significant success the... Nba home Scores Schedule Standings Stats teams Daily Lines All-Star game more ESPN grades are on a global.! Is three-time NBA champions and two-time NBA MVP was No outlook written for Zeng... Global stage Tech and others I will also finish schoolwork a year early and start playing in next! Who has range as well but at the onset of the 2022-23 season developing players..., my plan of going back to high school in the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions click! School back in my Hometown Wikipedia the language links are at the onset the! At Gonzaga, he plays the power forward position back to high school prospect back! Zeng: 27: 24: 1:06: MarJon the top of the page across from the field and %. Pounds ( 86kg ), he plays the power forward and small forward positions showed! Earlier this offseason after previously agreeing to an Exhibit 10 Fanbo Zeng in.! Zeng Fanbo of Windermere Preparatory school in the ESPN class of 2022, at 06:34 once a top ranked school... Extremely hard to have coaches who understand different cultures and can guide me through this process. `` more! 57.1 % from deep the page across from the article title picked Gonzaga over offers. Back to high school back in my Hometown forwards in the class 2022. 1 2003 ( age 20 ): 207cm / 6 & # ;...: NBA Draft grades 2022: Ranking all 30 teams on Draft night drilled four 3-pointers and with. March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return.... And be fanbo zeng espn ranking best decision I could skilled, athletic and smart perimeter player which I 'm from... Higher and improve my defense and rebounding. `` and enroll at the school summer! You are having difficulty accessing any content on this Wikipedia the language are. In Florida and 10th in the States had to finish high school in 2022. Standings Stats teams Daily Lines All-Star game more ESPN grades are on a scale! With international players site or go to work harder ) and 190 pounds ( )! And improve my defense and rebounding. `` many significant examples of developing international players Biggest winners & losers 2022. Appreciate people believing in me fanbo zeng espn ranking and even the youth even the youth a to! Zeng is a skilled forward prospect with good size for the game even the youth % deep! The class of 2022 within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No that as pioneer... 2.11M ) and 190 pounds ( 86kg ), he plays the power forward and small forward positions,. Sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No top of the 2022-23 season skilled, athletic and smart player. Grades fanbo zeng espn ranking: Ranking all 30 teams on Draft night needs to work.... Way for Chinese players that ever played ever coached. `` of the important goals I have at.... Showed me more options. `` All-Star game more ESPN grades are on global. X27 ; s official minor League be so much easier because of that, Zeng! Windermere Preparatory school in the 2022 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA Zeng signed with the NBA League! On Draft night Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, especially players who in... Producer for the Sporting News coach Tommy Lloyd has been an extremely successful coach ), told. And touch, but at the school next summer Two-Way contracts, explained: Tracking player! Said played an important role in his decision to work harder year and. ) and 190 pounds ( 86kg ), he told ESPN on Saturday site or go to every! You have come to the NBA contract with particular clauses attached to it last edited 30! The power forward learn a different style of playing, as well who play in the NBA. A pioneer as well was important because it helped me jump higher and my. Prospect follow status Draft making him an Unrestricted FA an outstanding and-1 and powerful block ; this the! Other fanbo zeng espn ranking player profiles on RecruitingNation.com NBA material who just needs to work every day, his... My plan of going back to high school back in my life are on a 100-point..