China's 2.14-meter center Wang Zhizhi will become the first Asian local hoopster to play in America's National Basketball Association (NBA) next week, confirmed Wang Fei, head coach of China's national team and league's champions Bayi Rockets Saturday.

Wang Zhizhi is to play for the Dallas Mavericks who drafted him in 1999 with their first right in the 36th place of the second round.

"Wang Zhizhi will go to the NBA next week," said Wang, who led Rockets to their sixth successive title in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Wednesday after beating Shanghai Sharks 3-1 in the best of five finals.

"It's a good thing for the Chinese basketball player and good chance for Wang to improve himself. I hope Wang Zhizhi could fit in the NBA as soon as possible," Wang added.

Qian Limin, team leader of the army-run Rockets, said it is also the honor of the Chinese basketball that Wang will go to the NBA next week.

Wang Fei, who was named the coach of the national team last week, went to America last year, doing his research and study of American basketball with Dallas Mavericks for six months. His play plan and philosophy have much effect on the Rockets' success in the CBA league, which surged in recent years as the leading professional basketball league in China and Asia.

(People's Daily 03/24)