Official Draft Announcement! The Next Chinese Basketball Star Aims for NBA – Zhao Weilin's Bold Decision

In an unexpected move that has left fans both excited and intrigued, Zhao Weilin has officially entered the Overtime Elite (OTE) draft. Many assumed the young Chinese star would continue his career in Europe or perhaps explore options in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), but Zhao has instead chosen a different path to pursue his NBA dreams. By opting for the OTE—a burgeoning league aimed at developing young talents aged 16 to 20—Zhao signals that he’s ready to take a big step toward the highest level of basketball.

Overtime Elite: A Growing NBA Pipeline

For those unfamiliar, Overtime Elite, or OTE, is a relatively new professional basketball league based in Atlanta, Georgia. It was created by Overtime, a media company focused on sports content for younger audiences. Launched in 2021, OTE has quickly gained attention as a developmental league for teenage players aspiring to make it to the NBA.

What sets OTE apart from traditional pathways like the NCAA or international leagues is that it offers these young athletes not just high-level competition, but also financial compensation, along with a focus on academics and life skills. The players are trained to develop their game while being prepared for life on and off the court.

The league has already produced a couple of notable NBA stars. In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Thompson twins—Amen and Ausar—were selected with the 4th and 5th overall picks by the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons, respectively. In 2024, Alex Sarr, who briefly played in OTE before transitioning to the Australian NBL, was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards. Clearly, OTE is proving to be a legitimate platform for launching young talents into the NBA.

For Zhao Weilin, this move could be a calculated decision to follow in their footsteps. He’s no stranger to high-level competition, having already gained experience playing in Europe and representing China at the U19 World Cup. But now, with the OTE platform, Zhao is positioning himself to not just hone his skills but to get on the radar of NBA scouts and general managers.

Zhao Weilin’s Rising Star

Born in 2005, Zhao Weilin is on the verge of turning 19 and has already made quite a name for himself in basketball circles, particularly as one of China’s most promising young guards. While many Chinese basketball fans were hoping Zhao would continue his growth in Europe, where he had already established himself as a rising star, the decision to move to the U.S. and join OTE shows his ambition to make it to the NBA.

Zhao’s talent was apparent early on. He gained attention not only for his strong play in Italy, where he competed at the youth level, but also for his performances in international tournaments. Zhao represented China at the U19 FIBA World Cup, teaming up with another young Chinese prospect, Yang Hansen. During the tournament, Zhao averaged 9.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, showing off his ability to both score and facilitate. His combination of speed, basketball IQ, and solid defense made him a key player for China, and many believed he was the answer to the country’s need for a reliable guard in future senior national team competitions.

Despite his growing reputation as a top Chinese prospect, Zhao has faced some obstacles along the way. Earlier this year, Zhao was invited to join the Chinese national team’s first training camp, where he had a chance to compete alongside the country's best. Unfortunately, Zhao’s time with the team was cut short due to what was reported as academic commitments in Italy. This prevented him from participating in China’s NBA Summer League preparation, a missed opportunity that could have further bolstered his development and exposure.

Zhao’s absence from this summer’s second national team training camp was also noted, with Coach Guo Shiqiang explaining that Zhao was finalizing his club commitments overseas. While fans were initially disappointed, many now understand that Zhao had his sights set on something much bigger.

The Decision to Join Overtime Elite

The decision to join OTE seems to reflect Zhao’s long-term plan of breaking into the NBA. Several sources report that Zhao was a highly coveted prospect within OTE, with up to eight teams expressing interest in drafting him. This interest ensures that wherever Zhao lands, he will likely start as a team’s primary point guard, giving him ample playing time and a starring role.

By joining OTE, Zhao is signaling that he’s not content with simply being a star in Europe. He has bigger ambitions, and OTE could serve as the perfect launchpad for his NBA journey. If he can replicate or even exceed the success of players like Amen and Ausar Thompson, Zhao may very well find himself on an NBA team’s radar soon.

One thing is certain: the competition Zhao will face in OTE will be fierce, but it will also offer him an excellent opportunity to showcase his skills on a more global stage. OTE games are heavily scouted by NBA teams, and the exposure Zhao will get playing in the U.S. is unparalleled compared to his time in Europe.

A Bright Future for China’s Backcourt?

Zhao Weilin has often been discussed as one of the top contenders for the future leader of China’s national basketball team, particularly in the backcourt. While the team has seen various guards come and go over the years, none have firmly claimed the mantle of a true franchise point guard capable of leading China on the international stage.

Players like Lin Wei and Chen Guohao have had moments of brilliance, but Zhao’s blend of playmaking, scoring, and defensive instincts make him a unique prospect. If Zhao can succeed in OTE and eventually make his way to the NBA, he could be the player that Chinese fans have been waiting for—a dynamic guard who can hold his own against the world’s best.

That being said, there’s still a long road ahead. Zhao’s choice to leave China’s national team camps and his decision to miss out on NBA Summer League opportunities have sparked debate among Chinese basketball fans. Some see these moves as setbacks, while others view them as strategic decisions made with an eye toward the bigger picture. For Zhao, the focus is on improving his game and securing a long-term NBA future, even if that means temporarily stepping away from international competitions.

Coach Guo Shiqiang has publicly backed Zhao, often explaining his absences and supporting the young guard’s development, a show of patience and understanding from the national team coach. Zhao’s growth will be monitored closely, and there’s little doubt that he’ll be welcomed back into the national team fold when the time is right.

What’s Next for Zhao Weilin?

As Zhao officially embarks on his OTE journey, the focus will now shift to how well he can adapt to the American style of play and the pressure that comes with being a top prospect in a league that feeds directly into the NBA. Standing at 6’3” (1.91 meters), Zhao has the size and athleticism to compete, but it will be his skills and mental toughness that will ultimately determine his success.

Will he follow the path of the Thompson twins and Alex Sarr, making a direct leap to the NBA after a standout season in OTE? Or will he need more time to develop, potentially spending a few more years in the G League or overseas before making his mark?

Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Zhao Weilin is betting on himself, and his journey to the NBA has officially begun. With the eyes of scouts, fans, and coaches now squarely on him, the next few months in OTE will be critical for Zhao’s future prospects.

For Chinese basketball, Zhao’s decision to take on this new challenge adds a layer of excitement. If he succeeds, Zhao could very well be the next great guard for the Chinese national team, finally providing a long-term solution to the country’s backcourt woes. For now, fans will watch closely as Zhao takes the next step in his promising career, hoping he can be the one to elevate China’s presence on the global basketball stage.