Explosive Debut! Zhao Weilin Drops 12 Points, 10 Assists: The Closest Chinese Guard to the NBA

Zhao Weilin, the highly touted third overall pick, made an electric debut in the Overtime Elite (OTE) League, showcasing his skills in a way that has silenced critics who doubted his athleticism and potential. In his first game, Zhao logged around 30 minutes, putting up an impressive stat line of 12 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. His efficient shooting—4 of 11 from the field and 4 of 10 from beyond the arc—highlighted his ability to stretch the floor and create for others. Despite his standout performance, his team, the Cold Hearts, fell just short, losing 87-93 to Dynamic Prep.

Zhao Weilin’s debut not only answered questions about his readiness to compete at a high level but also provided a glimpse of the talent and work ethic that has led many to label him as the "next great Chinese guard." His blend of basketball IQ, precision shooting, and physical tools make him a prospect worth watching, and his first game in the OTE League is just the beginning of what could be a meteoric rise.

Silencing the Doubters: Athleticism on Display

While Zhao Weilin has often been praised for his technical skills, there has long been skepticism about whether his athletic ability would be sufficient to compete at an elite level in American basketball. After all, the athletic demands of U.S. leagues are notoriously high, and many talented international players have struggled to make the transition. However, Zhao’s athletic testing results suggest that this won’t be an issue for him.

In fact, his numbers are striking. Zhao’s maximum running vertical leap was measured at an astounding 92.71 cm (about 36.5 inches), his 3/4-court sprint came in at 3.315 seconds, and his agility shuttle drill was clocked at 11.164 seconds. These numbers put him on par with some of the best point guards to ever enter the NBA. For comparison, when Chris Paul participated in the NBA draft combine in 2005, his vertical leap and sprint times were very similar to Zhao’s.

Even more impressively, Zhao’s vertical leap exceeds that of fellow Chinese prospect Cui Yongxi, who is widely regarded for his athleticism. Cui’s maximum vertical jump at the G League Elite Camp earlier this year was 90.17 cm (about 35.5 inches). Given Zhao’s ability to jump higher than a player like Cui, who is known for his explosive leaping ability, it's clear that Zhao possesses the kind of athleticism necessary to succeed at the highest levels of basketball.

Adjusting to the American Style of Play

One of the reasons Zhao Weilin chose to play in the OTE League rather than remain in Europe or join the CBA was his desire to adjust to the style of play in the U.S. He understands that the path to the NBA requires early adaptation to the intensity, speed, and physicality of American basketball.

In discussing his decision, Zhao emphasized that he’s chasing "the highest level of basketball," a clear reference to his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA. By joining OTE, he’s putting himself in a position to be scouted by NBA teams and to gain experience in a league that emphasizes development and exposure. His debut performance, featuring a double-double in points and assists, proves that he’s ready to handle the challenges that come with playing in a highly competitive environment.

For Chinese basketball players, the road to the NBA is often challenging, both due to the cultural and stylistic differences in basketball between China and the U.S. However, Zhao’s choice to take his talents to the OTE League, along with his willingness to embrace the American style of play, shows a maturity and understanding of what it takes to reach the highest level.

Setting the Stage for the NBA

Zhao Weilin is now widely regarded as one of the most exciting Chinese prospects in recent memory. While comparisons to NBA stars might seem premature after just one OTE game, it’s impossible to ignore the potential he has shown. His ability to run an offense, create for his teammates, and score from deep are all qualities that NBA teams look for in a modern guard.

Moreover, Zhao’s commitment to improving his game is evident not only in his decision to play in the U.S. but also in his dedication to representing China on the international stage. Zhao’s first appearance for the Chinese national team came during last year’s U19 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 9.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. This year, he was selected for short-term training camps under the leadership of coach Aleksandar Đorđević and later under Guo Shiqiang’s Chinese national team.

Although Zhao only played one exhibition game with the national team against the Macau Black Bears before leaving for personal reasons, his talent and potential are undeniable. Many have already dubbed him the "answer" to China’s long-standing need for a dynamic guard in the backcourt—a player capable of handling the ball, making decisions, and knocking down shots consistently.

A New Hope for Chinese Basketball

Zhao Weilin’s rise comes at a time when Chinese basketball is experiencing a resurgence of sorts, thanks in large part to Cui Yongxi’s recent success in making the leap to the NBA. Cui’s accomplishment has reignited hope among Chinese basketball fans that more players from the region can make it to the world’s top basketball league.

For Zhao, the stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even greater. Not only could he follow in Cui’s footsteps, but he could also serve as an inspiration for a new generation of Chinese basketball players. His combination of skills and athleticism sets him apart from previous generations, and his desire to play at the highest level shows that he has the drive to make it happen.

As for his NBA prospects, Zhao’s game fits well with the modern NBA. His shooting ability, in particular, makes him a valuable asset in a league that increasingly values floor spacing. In his OTE debut, Zhao knocked down 4 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc, demonstrating the kind of range that could make him a threat at the next level.

In addition to his shooting, Zhao’s court vision and playmaking ability were on full display. His 10 assists were the highlight of his performance, as he consistently found open teammates and created scoring opportunities for others. This blend of scoring and facilitating makes Zhao an intriguing NBA prospect, as teams are always on the lookout for guards who can do both.

National Team Aspirations

Zhao Weilin has also expressed his excitement about representing China on the international stage. When asked about his experience playing for the national team, Zhao said, “The first time I put on the national team jersey, it felt amazing. I had a greater sense of responsibility and mission.” His pride in representing his country is clear, and his continued development will undoubtedly be a key factor in China’s future basketball success.

With the national team in a transitional phase, Zhao’s role could become even more significant in the coming years. His ability to lead the offense and provide consistent scoring from the guard position makes him a valuable asset for the team. If he continues to improve and potentially reaches the NBA, Zhao could become the cornerstone of China’s basketball program.

Breaking Stereotypes

For years, there has been a stereotype that Chinese guards lack the athleticism to compete at the highest levels of basketball. Zhao Weilin’s debut performance in the OTE League and his athletic testing results should put that notion to rest. Not only does Zhao possess the skills necessary to excel, but his athleticism is also on par with some of the top players in the NBA.

His vertical leap, agility, and speed measurements are comparable to those of Chris Paul during his pre-draft workouts, and Zhao’s ability to move laterally and make quick decisions on the court will serve him well as he continues to develop.

The Road Ahead

While it’s still early in Zhao Weilin’s journey, his debut in the OTE League has already made waves. His blend of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ sets him apart from his peers, and his potential to become the next great Chinese guard is real. Zhao’s decision to play in the U.S. shows a level of ambition that few Chinese players have pursued, and if his first game is any indication, he is more than capable of succeeding.

The road to the NBA is long, but Zhao Weilin is well on his way. As he continues to grow and develop in the OTE League, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if he can turn this early promise into a successful career at the highest level. One thing is certain: Zhao Weilin is a name to remember, and he’s just getting started.