“I told you the kid wouldn’t disappoint,” Wang Changhai said, holding a composed expression despite the proud grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Listen to you!” Liu Yudong scoffed, shaking his head with a laugh.
“Don’t act smug just because you hit the genetic lottery, Old Wang.
If I didn’t know better, I’d claim he’s mine.” Wang Changhai couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into a hearty laugh.
With Yao Ming having announced his formal retirement just two months prior in July 2011, the Chinese basketball world was in desperate search of its next interior anchor.
Seeing a seventeen-year-old domestic big man record a 115 kg max bench press alongside elite static dimensions offered a genuine ray of hope for the national team’s long-term future.
“Coach Fan, should we move on to skill drills?” Wang Zhelin called out from the floor.
“Right!
Let’s see your touch,” Fan Bin replied, leading the group toward the baseline.
For the next half hour, Wang Zhelin showcased a polished offensive rep: smooth footwork in the post, soft drop-step hooks, and a reliable mid-to-long-range shooting motion.
“Solid fundamentals,” senior mentor Xiao Guangbi observed with a warm smile.
“His soft touch around the rim reminds me of Yao at that age.” “And centers peak late—usually around twenty-three or twenty-four,” Liu Yudong added.
“At seventeen, his ceiling is massive.” While the staff discussed his development, the gym doors opened.
A sharp, short-haired woman in executive attire walked in alongside a tall, lean American player.
Wang Zhelin felt a sudden, subtle flutter in his chest as his eyes landed on her.
Residual memory from the original host, he realized.
The woman was Wu Bolan, the 27-year-old deputy general manager of the Fujian Sturgeons, who had always looked out for him since he joined the youth system at fourteen.
“Coach Fan,” Wu Bolan greeted, introducing the veteran big man beside her.
“This is Will McDonald.
He just arrived from Europe.” Wang Zhelin focused his vision, triggering a quick system scan: SCOUTING REPORT: WILL MCDONALD Status: Free Agent / Unattached Age: 32 | Position: Center / Power Forward Height: 212 cm (~6’11.5″) | Weight: 105 kg (~231 lbs) | Wingspan: 216 cm (~7’1″) Key Attributes: Lower Body Strength: 48 | Upper Body Strength: 51 | Speed: 42 | Stamina: 45 Overall Rating: 53 (CBA Import Level) Scouting Summary: Finesse interior player relying heavily on corner three-pointers, mid-range jump shots, and short hooks.
Limited defensive presence and low physical impact inside.
According to original timeline records, Fujian was preparing to sign McDonald to a lucrative two-year, $1.2 million import contract, where he would go on to average nearly 28 points and 10 rebounds.
But seeing his status currently listed as Unattached, Wang Zhelin grinned.
My first real hurdle for the starting center spot, Wang Zhelin thought.
If I outperform him in camp, that starting spot is mine.
As Wu Bolan pitched McDonald’s credentials, Fan Bin subtly handed her Wang Zhelin’s fresh combine report.
Her eyes widened as she scanned the numbers.
Stepping over, Wang Zhelin leaned in slightly and whispered with a confident smirk, “Sister Bolan, don’t waste the club’s budget—I’m plenty strong already.”