China’s NBA hope Zeng Fanbo misses out on Hoop Summit team
- Official announcement contradicts reports in Chinese media in March that Gonzaga-bound teen was in this year’s world select
- News comes amid backlash in China against event sponsors Nike over Xinjiang cotton
Chinese NBA prospect Zeng Fanbo has missed out on the Hoop Summit World Team, despite being named to the global select in earlier reports.
This comes after reports in the Chinese media in March that the Florida-based Windermere Prep player, who committed to Gonzaga last November, was sent an invitation to be in the world list.
The US team was named on March 26, which is when reports of 18-year-old Zeng’s invitation to this year’s world select emerged. Images reporting to be the invitation letter were also shared online.
He was congratulated by the Official Twitter Page of the Southeast Elite Grassroots Academy and Team Parsons, a Florida-based travel basketball team which Zeng has played for.
“Congrats to 6’9 G/F Fanbo Zeng on his selection to this year’s Hoop Summit World Team!” they wrote on March 26. “A major accomplishment and honour.” The tweet quoted an Instagram post that has since been deleted.
The US team announcement – and reports of Zeng’s invite – came at the height of backlash against Nike and other Western brands from Chinese social media users over the company’s refusal to use Xinjiang cotton.