32 Assists in 3 Games! The Next Zhao Jiwei Has Arrived – Meet the Chinese Guard Closest to the NBA

In the world of Chinese basketball, the spotlight has recently been on promising talents making waves abroad. While much of the attention has been focused on players like Cui Yongxi, there’s another name that is quickly rising to prominence: Zhao Weiren. A standout performer in the Overtime Elite (OTE) league in the United States, Zhao’s recent performances have showcased his exceptional playmaking ability, making him a player to watch for the future of Chinese basketball.

Zhao Weiren’s first three games in the OTE league have been nothing short of impressive, especially in terms of his playmaking. He debuted with 12 points and 10 assists, followed by 4 points and 9 assists in his second game, and an 8-point, 13-assist performance in his third outing. Altogether, Zhao has dished out an astonishing 32 assists over the three games, averaging 10.7 assists per game. This puts him atop the league’s assist leaderboard, far ahead of the second-place player, who averages 5.7 assists per game.

For a 19-year-old rookie, these numbers are remarkable, and they solidify Zhao’s role as the primary playmaker and organizational hub for his team, Cold Heart. As the league’s No. 3 overall pick, Zhao Weiren has already proven his ability to lead and facilitate, showing why he is a highly touted prospect in Chinese basketball.

Playmaking Prowess – The Hallmark of Zhao’s Game

Zhao Weiren’s playmaking skills can be traced back to his development in the European basketball system, where teamwork, high basketball IQ, and on-court vision are emphasized. His ability to involve his teammates, read the defense, and make the right play seems effortless. This skill set has quickly translated to the American game, where Zhao has emerged as a floor general in the OTE.

It’s clear that Zhao Weiren is the organizing core of Cold Heart, controlling the tempo and flow of the game. His court awareness and decision-making abilities make him a vital cog in the team’s offensive machinery. For now, his role as a playmaker is well-established, and his success in this area speaks volumes about his basketball intelligence and unselfish approach.

However, while Zhao’s playmaking is impressive, questions remain about his offensive game. If Zhao hopes to make it to the NBA, he will need to focus more on scoring and improving his overall shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc.

Scoring Struggles – The Next Hurdle for Zhao

Despite Zhao’s brilliance as a facilitator, his offensive efficiency has been inconsistent. Across his first three games, Zhao’s shooting percentages have left much to be desired. He shot 4-of-11 from the field (including 4-of-10 from three-point range) in his debut, followed by a 2-of-8 shooting performance (0-of-4 from three) in his second game. His third game saw him go 3-of-9, with just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc.

While Zhao’s three-point shooting has struggled, his ability to generate assists and create opportunities for others has masked this deficiency. But as he sets his sights on making it to the NBA, Zhao will need to refine his shooting, especially from three-point range, as it will likely determine his role in the league.

In the NBA, where ball-dominant guards are a rarity unless they are elite scorers, Zhao Weiren will not have the luxury of controlling the ball as much as he does now. He’ll need to thrive as an off-ball shooter and a secondary playmaker, which means his three-point shooting and overall scoring efficiency will be critical areas for improvement.

Physical Limitations in American Basketball

Standing at around 6 feet (1.83 meters), Zhao Weiren faces another challenge in adapting to the physical demands of American basketball. In the OTE league, and especially in the NBA, guards of Zhao’s size are often targeted by larger, more athletic players. Zhao’s physical limitations have already been exposed in the OTE, where opponents have been eager to exploit his lack of size and strength.

In Europe, Zhao’s high basketball IQ and relentless hustle helped compensate for these physical shortcomings, but in the more physically demanding environment of American basketball, his size disadvantage is more pronounced. Zhao will need to work on his strength and conditioning to better compete against the elite athletes he will face if he continues to pursue an NBA career.

While Zhao’s playmaking and vision are elite, his defense and ability to handle physical mismatches will be scrutinized as he continues to develop. In the NBA, where defensive versatility is increasingly prized, Zhao will need to find ways to mitigate his size disadvantage, whether through increased physicality or improved defensive positioning.

Zhao Weiren’s NBA Aspirations and Areas for Growth

Despite these challenges, Zhao Weiren’s future remains bright. At just 19 years old, he has already proven himself as a top playmaker in the OTE, and his potential as a floor general is undeniable. As he continues to adjust to the faster pace and higher level of competition in American basketball, Zhao has all the tools to succeed.

To achieve his dream of making it to the NBA, Zhao will need to shift some focus from his playmaking to his scoring ability. Improving his three-point shooting, developing a more reliable mid-range game, and adding a quicker first step will all be critical as he aims to compete at the highest level.

Furthermore, Zhao must continue to adapt to the physical demands of American basketball. Adding strength and improving his defensive techniques will be essential if he is to survive in a league filled with some of the best athletes in the world.

Comparisons to Zhao Jiwei – A New Generation of Chinese Guards

For those familiar with Chinese basketball, it’s hard not to see the parallels between Zhao Weiren and Zhao Jiwei, one of China’s premier guards. Both stand at 1.83 meters, and both are known for their high basketball IQ and exceptional court vision. Like Zhao Jiwei, Zhao Weiren’s offensive game is centered around his perimeter shooting and ability to create for others.

In fact, the comparison becomes even more apt when looking at Zhao Jiwei’s statistics from last season in the CBA. Jiwei averaged 9.8 field goal attempts per game, with 6.1 of those coming from three-point range, hitting 38.8% of his three-point attempts. As Zhao Weiren develops his game, this could serve as a blueprint for his own progression.

While Zhao Weiren’s current shooting percentages lag behind those of Zhao Jiwei, the foundation is there. Zhao Jiwei’s career arc demonstrates that it’s possible to thrive as a smaller guard, even in a league like the CBA or potentially the NBA, with the right combination of playmaking, shooting, and defensive effort.

Zhao Weiren has already represented China on the international stage, including appearances in the U19 World Cup. He has also been a part of several national team training camps under head coach Aleksandar Đorđević and Chinese national team coach Guo Shiqiang. As he continues to mature and develop, there will be plenty of opportunities for Zhao to make his mark with the national team, just as Zhao Jiwei has done over the years.

Looking Ahead – The Future of Zhao Weiren

Zhao Weiren’s future is filled with promise. His ability to dish out assists at an elite level and lead his team as a floor general has already been proven in the OTE, and his potential to take his game to the next level is evident. While his shooting and physicality still need work, he has the time and work ethic to improve.

At just 19 years old, Zhao is still adapting to American basketball and the challenges that come with it. His early performances in the OTE league show that he has a high ceiling, and with the right development, he could become the next great Chinese guard.

As Zhao continues his journey, Chinese basketball fans will undoubtedly follow his progress closely. With his sights set on the NBA, Zhao Weiren is the most exciting Chinese guard prospect in years. Whether he eventually follows in the footsteps of players like Zhao Jiwei in the CBA or takes the leap to the NBA, Zhao Weiren’s future in basketball is bright, and his journey is just beginning.