Who is Zeng Fanbo? China’s hottest NBA draft prospect turns heads at pro day event
- Zeng came to the United States as a 14-year-old and quickly established himself as one of the top youth prospects after averaging 15.5 points
- Last October Zeng announced he would forego his first-year season at Gonzaga to sign with G League Ignite, a developmental programme for elite NBA prospects
Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and general manager Monte McNair went to the CAA pro day workout in Southern California last week to watch projected top-10 NBA draft prospects Jaden Ivey and AJ Griffin.
While they were there, Ranadive and McNair also got a good look at Zeng Fanbo, an intriguing young player from China who might have opened eyes with an impressive showing in front of some of the league’s top executives.
Zeng, 19, is a 6-foot-11 small forward/power forward with bounce, burst, ball-handling skills and shooting ability. Following Zeng’s workout, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony tweeted: “Fanbo Zeng had a big platform to showcase his talent at the CAA Pro Day in front of a room full of NBA decision makers. The 6’11 Chinese wing exhibited his improved frame, terrific shooting stroke and vertical explosiveness.”
Zeng is not a player the Kings would consider with the No 4 pick in the draft, but they also have a pair of second-round picks at No 37 and No 49. Zeng is currently projected to go undrafted, but that could change in the weeks to come as scouts and executives get more familiar with his game.
Zeng is the hottest prospect to come out of China in years. He came to the United States as a 14-year-old and spent a year in Oregon before going to play at Windermere Prep in Florida. 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, once rated as the No 33 prospect in the Class of 2022 by ESPN, initially committed to Gonzaga, but he returned to China in March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. In October, Zeng announced he would forego his first-year season at Gonzaga to sign with G League Ignite, a Walnut Creek-based developmental programme for elite NBA prospects.
“This is the best and fastest way to become a pro, and also get better every day,” Zeng told ESPN. “This was best decision I could make while I was in China. I’m not saying the NCAA isn’t good – just that the G League is the best way for me.”