Wang Zhizhi to Jump on International Stamps

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 23, 2001

Wang Zhizhi to Jump on International Stamps

The NBA Dallas Mavericks' Chinese star Wang Zhizhi will jump on stamps issued by Liberia, Morocco, Cuba and four other countries and regions. These countries and regions have issued stamps on international celebrities including George Washington, Albert Einstein, Pele, Michael Jordan. The fact that Wang have been given the honor underlined the significance of the first Chinese playing in the most prestigious basketball league in the world.

The NBA Dallas Mavericks' Chinese star Wang Zhizhi will jump on stamps issued by seven countries and regions, his agent said on Wednesday.

"I Believe I Can Fly"

"Postal authorities from Liberia, Morocco, Cuba and four other countries and regions are planning to issue stamps on Wang," Xia Song told reporters before leaving for Dallas with the Chinese center.

"Some stamps being designed are entitled 'Chinese Air', ' History Creator', 'Moving Great Wall', 'I Believe I Can Fly' etc., " read a press release from the Beijing Xing Ji Sports and Cultural Development Company, which is run by Xia.

"These countries and regions have issued stamps on international celebrities including George Washington, Albert Einstein, Pele, Michael Jordan," said the release. "The fact that Wang have been given the honor underlined the significance of the first Chinese playing in the most prestigious basketball league in the world."

First Chinese' Debut in NBA

Wang, who had his name spread all over the world by signing a two-year contract with the Mavericks on April 4 and making the Chinese' debut in the NBA two days later, will arrive in Dallas on Wednesday when his teammates play the Hornets at Charlotte, N.C..

Chinese Center Back to Dallas

Instead of celebrating the success of joining the international celebrities, Wang was pondering on his impending future with the Dallas team. Having missed the Mavericks' training camp and pre- season games for preparing for and competing in the Chinese National Games, the 2.13-meter center will probably sit out or be put on the injury list in his first weeks at Dallas.

"When my teammates play the away games, I will train with the developmental coaches and try to get used to the atmosphere as soon as possible," Wang said. "Hopefully I can get into my top form in about one month."

Long Road to Go

Following the Mavericks' 4-1 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2000-2001 western semi-finals, Wang went back home and helped China win gold medals at the East Asian Games, Asian Championships and runners-up at the 21st World University Games.

Comparing with the short stay in the NBA late last season, Wang will have more time this season to prove his talent which attracted the Mavericks to pick him in the 1999 draft and wait for him for two years before the release from the Chinese army-owned Bayi Rockets.

"This will a longer season for me and I may play more minutes than last season, which can help me develop my skills."

Outstanding Achievements Made

During his first NBA journey, Wang averaged 4.8 points in 7.6 minutes at five regular-season games and two points in 4.6 minutes at five play-off games.

"Of course I will be under greater pressure, because the fans will have higher expectations on me," said the Chinese lieutenant colonel. "But I will try not to be bothered by that."

"I will do my utmost to play well and concentrate on my games."

With approval from the Chinese army and Chinese sports governing body, star center Wang Zhizhi is expected to leave on Tuesday for the NBA Dallas Mavericks. The 2.13-meter center will probably sit on the bench or be put on the injury list in his first week with the Mavericks after missing the training camp and pre-season games for preparing for and competing in the Chinese National Games.

Personal Info. of Wang
Birth Date:	07/08/1977	College	None
Birthplace:	Beijing, China	Drafted	1999 Round 2 #36 Dallas Mavericks
Height:	7-1
Weight:	220
Last Game of Dallas
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001
Seattle		105	Final
Dallas		97

Wang Zhizhi Expected to Leave for Dallas Tuesday