Top Chinese prospect Fanbo Zeng signs with G League Ignite, eyes 2022 NBA draft Skip to main content Skip to navigation Presented By Full Scoreboard > ESPN Search You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Dyson Daniels, Jaden Hardy, MarJon Beauchamp, Michael Foster Jr. and Fanbo Zeng are Ignite draft prospects. 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. Zeng signed a contract with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association earlier this offseason after previously agreeing to an Exhibit 10 . At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Zeng, like many U.S.-based international players, elected to return home. After initially committing to play collegiately at Gonzaga University, Zeng changed course, signing with G League Ignite in the Spring of 2021. He wants to go to work every day, maximize his potential and be the best. The NBA G League is the NBA's official minor league. The 17-year-old Zeng has garnered considerable attention both in the U.S. and China thanks to the progress he made this past season. Fanbo Zeng, previously the No. The teen then returned to China last March because of the. 1 overall? College Sports Home Scores Rankings Tickets Fanbo Zeng, the No. 31) and MarJon Beauchamp (No. Fanbo Zeng, who is considered to be the top Chinese prospect, will reportedly decommit from Gonzaga to sign with the NBA G League Ignite for the 2021-22 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. I already can't wait to join.". There are no shortcuts. I'm very confident on the court and enjoy every second of playing ball. Overall Rank: E+ Only: Position Rank: "Most importantly, I wish I can contribute wearing the Chinese national jersey and represent my country on a global stage. 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 more about Fanbo Zeng as he returns to the U.S. from China to play for NBA G League Ignite. 1 in combined men's and women's college basketball rankings, Dick Vitale's 2020-21 college basketball players to watch -- and more, 2021 men's college basketball recruiting class rankings: Michigan stays at 1; Auburn and UNLV rise. "Being kind and grateful has been very important in my life. Fanbo Zeng, an NBA prospect from China, has signed to play with the NBA G League Ignite. Growing 2 inches has helped me jump higher and improve my defense and rebounding.". 247Sports Composite Top247. We were able to watch all the G League games and replays. I'm far from being compared to the greatest Chinese players that ever played. 6-9, 205 | Class of 2021 . Fanbo Zeng, the No. Ignite also has 17-year old Scoot Henderson, arguably the top American prospect in the 2023 NBA draft class, in the fold for the next two years. Which I'm sure it will be a blessing to train with some of the best coaches and teammates.". Zeng, who will look to reclassify to 2021, is considered arguably the most promising Chinese . He downplayed comparisons to former Chinese NBA players. . "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. 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. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in Florida. ESPN had good news for Chinese basketball fans as it ranked Zeng Fanbo, a 17-year-old power forward from Windermere Preparatory School, 34th as a four-star player on its Recruiting List of the 2022 Class. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Zeng is a 19-year-old lefty that stands around 6-foot-10 and is known for his shooting and feel for the game. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form.If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Ontario Clippers vs. G League Ignite NBA G League basketball game on 11 November 2021 . A playmaker with size who has range as well. . Zeng has improved on the ESPN 100 list as he is currently ranked number 33, which is way better than his other ranking had he reclassified. /CFP. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. "It's been difficult for the entire world," Zeng said. [7] On November 21, 2020, he committed to playing college basketball for Gonzaga over offers from Florida State, Florida and Virginia Tech, among others. He excels in transition and can really fly above the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. Stay on current site or go to US version. "It's been difficult for the entire world," Zeng said. Which 16 teams should you buy or fade ahead of March Madness? 33 prospect in the ESPN class of 2022, has signed with the G League Ignite program and will declare for the 2022 NBA draft. You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click above. He really showed me what the program is about and how I'd fit perfectly at Gonzaga. Fanbo joined Ignite as one of the world's top youth prospects, ranked as one of the top forwards and 33rd overall by ESPN in the class of 2022. /Tencent Sports. April 24, 2021 3:43 pm ET. 2023 MLB draft rankings 1.0: Which SEC slugger is No. The U.S. ban on travel from China will prevent him from finishing his final two years of high school at Windermere Prep, so Zeng will spend this upcoming season in China and attempt to enroll early at Gonzaga, starting next summer. Hawks Fire Nate McMillan. I had to finish high school back in my hometown. I need to keep working on getting stronger. Fanbo Zeng, the No. Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News. Besides, a high school rating does not necessarily tell what kind of player someone will be. The G League Ignite have reportedly added another big name to the fold for the 2021-22 season. [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. 1 overall? Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? [2] For his freshman year of high school, Zeng moved to the United States, enrolling at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Florida. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . 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. 2022 Fantasy Outlook. "My family always teaches me to be a great person before everything," Zeng said. [6], Zeng was a consensus four-star recruit and was considered "China's top basketball prospect" by The Athletic. Listed at 6feet 11inches (2.11m) and 190 pounds (86kg), he plays the power forward and small forward positions. 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. Off On. He really showed me what the program is about and how I'd fit perfectly at Gonzaga. Hometown Windermere, Fla. School Windermere Prep (POST) Position Power Forward. [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. I will also finish schoolwork a year early and start playing in college next year. 33 prospect in ESPN's Class of 2022, has chosen Gonzaga over offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. 11 in 2016. Kenny Anderson: 42: Knicks: Jaylin Williams C - Arkansas - HT: 6-10 - WT: 240 - WING: 7-1 - So - A fundamentally sound and really smart basketball player who impacts all aspects . I will also finish schoolwork a year early and start playing in college next year. 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. Gonzaga has had significant success throughout the years with international players, which Zeng said played an important role in his decision. He wants to go to work every day, maximize his potential and be the best. "Gonzaga is a very successful program with great people -- coaches, staff, players and all the fans," Zeng told ESPN. Which 16 teams should you buy or fade ahead of March Madness? Zeng is capable of seizing the opportunity. MarJon Beauchamp, who will be present in the Draft night green room, is expected to go . 9 pick in the 2019 NBA draft; Lithuanian big man and fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis was selected No. 33 prospect in the ESPN Class of 2022, has committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga, he told ESPN on Saturday. At the time of his most . The 6-foot-10 forward will be . Fanbo Zeng is a quick, bouncy and agile combo forward from China who is playing with the G League Ignite this year, after previously committing to Gonzaga. 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. That's the ultimate goal. 6-9, 205 | Class of 2021. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. That's the ultimate goal. . Verbal Commits Newsletter. Japanese forward Rui Hachimura was the No. Which I'm sure it will be a blessing to train with some of the best coaches and teammates.". Jun 25, 2022. Many things can change during one's high school and college careers size, strength, skills just like anything can happen when one joins the NBA. Weight 200. I already can't wait to join.". Class Rankings Class Rankings; College Basketball College Basketball; ESPN.com: Help | Press | Advertise on ESPN.com . 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. But I must work extremely hard to have a great career and accomplishments. "They've had many significant examples of developing international players. He paved the way for Chinese players, especially players who play in the States. "He's a great passer who can handle it as well. 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. "I really appreciate people believing in me, and I'll use that as a motivation. By contrast, LeBron James Jr. (Bronny James), son of the NBA great LeBron James, was ranked 24th on the 2023 Class list. Nine-time All-Star, Mr. Triple-Double of the new era Russell Westbrook was only a three-star guard 14 years ago. [Assistant] coach Tommy Lloyd has been taking such a great care of the athletes that came from overseas. Zeng was born in Harbin in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang. 9 pick in the 2019 NBA draft; Lithuanian big man and fellow former Zag Domantas Sabonis was selected No. [Assistant] coach Tommy Lloyd has been taking such a great care of the athletes that came from overseas. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. What's going to separate him is he's got a humility about him. Just might be the highest rated game ever watched by China with Fanbo Zeng and Haowen Guo going head to head. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. The lefty has a smooth stroke and is a plus-shooter from three, primarily off. "I was lucky enough to have coach Brian Hoff from Windermere Prep and my AAU coach, Anthony Ricks, to help me grow as a student and a player. I'm not saying the NCAA isn't good -- just that the G League is the best way for me.". Fanbo Zeng. His highlights from the game also include an outstanding and-1 and powerful block. "Being kind and grateful has been very important in my life. "My family always teaches me to be a great person before everything," Zeng said. He said he will look to reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer. As part of a talented Ignite team, Zeng did not get a chance to fully showcase his skills during the 2021-22 season, but he has plenty of untapped potential that can be put on display during his time with Indiana. He downplayed comparisons to former Chinese NBA players. 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. Fanbo Zeng, 2022 Power Forward - Rivals.com Unable to get prospect follow status. 2021 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings 247Sports Composite Top247 Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team 1 1 Chet Holmgren Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, MN) C 7-0 / 190 100 1 1 1 2 2. On the court, I see myself as a skilled, athletic and smart perimeter player. 15), Michael Foster (No. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in. 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. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. Height 6'11". Which 16 teams should you buy or fade ahead of March Madness? 2023 MLB draft rankings 1.0: Which SEC slugger is No. After beginning his youth career with the Beijing Ducks, Zeng moved to the United States for high school, enrolling at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Fla. 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 as a recruit. Birth: 11 1 2003 (age 20) : 207cm / 6'9". I had to finish high school back in my hometown. . NIL, legal threats among issues for new NCAA boss, Tennessee coach Vitello to return after suspension, No. "That changed everything for me -- learning how to play with and against other athletic players," he said. 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. But I must work extremely hard to have a great career and accomplishments. Offensively, his feel was on display with his ability to read defenses to make plays. I'm lucky enough to have someone like Yao [Ming] as a pioneer. This page was last edited on 30 December 2022, at 06:34. I really hope that someday I'll be playing in the NBA. Fanbo Zeng, the No. Shop Fanbo Zeng Products On Team Ignite Shop, 2021-2022 Season Averages: 19 GP, 5.1 PTS, 2.2 REB, 0.8 AST, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjHFIKru6BY&list=PLRF0Qy76Eqm5RwfhdrNTwnjAuHTSVbTiq&index=15. As a sophomore at Windermere Prep (FL), he averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 . Fanbo Zeng. I'm far from being compared to the greatest Chinese players that ever played. 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. So, it had a pretty big impact, but at the same time showed me more options.". NBA Home Scores Schedule Standings Stats Teams Daily Lines All-Star Game More After three members of the Ignite were selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, The Athletic's Shams Charania broke the news that undrafted forward Fanbo Zeng had signed with the Pacers ahead of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. [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]. A playmaker with size who has range as well. That was definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. 1 in combined men's and women's college basketball rankings, Dick Vitale's 2020-21 college basketball players to watch -- and more, 2021 men's college basketball recruiting class rankings: Michigan stays at 1; Auburn and UNLV rise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Fanbo Zeng. Whether or not it's a two-way contract to split time with the Pacers and their G League affiliate Fort Wayne Mad Ants or a standard contract with the Pacers, all options are on the table. Jalen Duren Montverde Academy . The 17-year-old Zeng has garnered considerable attention both in the U.S. and China thanks to the progress he made this past season. He's as hard of a worker as I've ever coached.". "For me, my plan of going back to high school in the States had to be canceled. Height:6-11Weight:199Position:FClub:G League IgniteAge:19, 2021-2022 Season StatsPPG:3.8RPG:1.4APG:0.8BLK:0.3STL:0.8. He said he will look to reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer. [Head] coach Mark Few has been an extremely successful coach. 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. Gonzaga has had significant success throughout the years with international players, which Zeng said played an important role in his decision. I'm far from being compared to the greatest Chinese players that ever played. "For me, my plan of going back to high school in the States had to be canceled. I need to keep working on getting stronger. For example, Ja Morant being an unranked player in high school did not keep him from being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and leading the Rookie of the Year competition. Chinese forward Fanbo Zeng of the G League Ignite is signing with the Indiana Pacers and will play for the team in Las Vegas NBA summer league, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Also, just to develop overall. Fanbo Zeng is a quick, bouncy and agile combo forward from China who is playing with the G League Ignite this year, after previously committing to Gonzaga. 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. Full profile. Zeng was expected to represent China at the 2020 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Sofia, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]. With only one Chinese player drafted since 2007, the country's basketball fans have significant hopes for Zeng's development over the coming years. 6 pick Bennedict Mathurin are at the forefront, but they're all perimeter players. MORE:What is G League Ignite? 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. 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. 1. He spent two years at. "He's a great passer who can handle it as well. 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. Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and International teams. Stay on current site or go to US version. As the only Chinese player on the list, Zeng ranked 4th in Florida and 10th in the power forward position. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. Fanbo shined the light on his potential plans via ESPN. Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. On the court, I see myself as a skilled, athletic and smart perimeter player. 11 in 2016. Stream on WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 13, 2021 - 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. But I must work extremely hard to have a great career and accomplishments. Sure, he was beat, but he didn't quit and had the tools to make a play. The transition to Gonzaga will be so much easier because of that," Zeng said. 2021 Top Basketball Recruits in Florida. I hope that I can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth. Rankings; Bronny James Tabbed As Top-10 Pick In Mock 2024 NBA Draft. 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. It's a huge motivation for me rather than pressure. There was no outlook written for Fanbo Zeng in 2022. "I really appreciate people believing in me, and I'll use that as a motivation. "They've had many significant examples of developing international players. Forward Fanbo Zeng, a four star recruit in the 2022 class, will also try to reclassify and play next season. In his second year, Zeng grew to 2.06 meters tall and 84 kilograms in weight, averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.6 blocks and leading his school to become runner-up in Florida with a 27-4 record. 53). Lack of diversity within collegiate sports leadership continues, Baylor sits at No. According to ESPN, the power forward checks in at 6-foot-11 and 198 pounds. NIL, legal threats among issues for new NCAA boss, Tennessee coach Vitello to return after suspension, No. On October 13, 2021, Zeng signed with the NBA G League Ignite of the NBA G League. After going 25-57 in the 2021-22 season, Indiana is retooling for a future in which Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte and 2022 No. 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. Fanbo Zeng ( Chinese: ; born January 11, 2003) is a Chinese professional basketball player for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Fanbo Zeng was once a top ranked high school prospect. With only one Chinese player drafted since 2007, the country's basketball fans have significant hopes for Zeng's development over the coming years. Zeng Fanbo of Windermere Preparatory School handles the ball in the game. He said he will look to reclassify to 2021 and enroll at the school next summer. Jaden Hardy enters the game for Fanbo Zeng: 27: 24: 1:06: MarJon . He's as hard of a worker as I've ever coached.". Verbal Commits Newsletter. Zeng, once rated as the. A native of Harbin, China, Fanbo was among ESPN's top-ranked forwards in the class of 2022. "I was lucky enough to have coach Brian Hoff from Windermere Prep and my AAU coach, Anthony Ricks, to help me grow as a student and a player. No performance displayed Zeng's ability better than a 17-point showing against the Santa Cruz Warriors in which he sank four of his six 3-point attempts and put some other tools on display in 37 minutes of action. I had to finish high school back in my hometown. 1. The 17-year-old Zeng has garnered considerable attention both in the U.S. and China thanks to the progress he made this past season. Follow full coverage of Fanbo Zeng during the 2022 NBA Draft on ESPN.com. There are no shortcuts. 3), Dyson Daniels (No. 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. Small Forward; 6'-11", 190 lbs; null; 2022 Draft Results. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. A native of Harbin, China, Fanbo was among ESPN's top-ranked forwards in the class of 2022. That was definitely very important to me throughout the recruiting process. Zeng, 19, is a 6-foot-11 small forward/power forward with bounce, burst, ball-handling skills and shooting ability. Verbal Commits - Fanbo Zeng Player Profile: Rankings, Stars, Video Highlights, Offers, Tweets, Height, Weight, High School, Position, Hometown You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Ignite has four players currently ranked in the ESPN 100: Jaden Hardy (No. Zeng was a consensus four-star recruit and a former Gonzaga commit. Zeng has an opportunity to put his tools on display for a Pacers team that has some opportunities in the front court, especially with T.J. Warren no longer in Indiana and the trade rumors that surround center Myles Turner. Zeng picked Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Florida State, Florida, Virginia Tech and others. "It's always more difficult for international players to adapt," Zeng said. Fanbo Zeng (Chinese: ; born January 11, 2003) is a Chinese professional basketball player for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). No Crystal Ball predictions at this time. "It was important because it helped me learn a different style of playing, as well as the culture. As a sophomore in 2019-20, Fanbo averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 re-bounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists to earn Class 3A First Team All-State and Orlando Sentinel All-Area First Team honors. Oct 17, 2022 at 10:26 am ET 1 min read. I hope that I can influence Chinese basketball, and even the youth.
