Next-gen thinking puts trust in youth

"It was a huge honor for me as much as a valuable opportunity for me to learn and improve," Zeng, who at 17 already stands 2.04 meters tall and weighs 90 kilograms, told Beijing Youth Daily on Thursday.

"This national team call-up will be an important mark on my young career. I don't feel any pressure now, just pure excitement. I will make the best out of every minute at the camp."

Born in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, Zeng joined the Beijing Ducks youth program when he was 11 after impressing the CBA club with his exceptional physicality.

In 2017, he was sent to the United States on the Basketball Pioneer Program, funded by the Ducks' parent company, Shougang Group, for a high-school league tryout.

After enrolling at Windermere in 2018, Zeng has solidified his status as a major college prospect by averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocked shots and 2.1 assists in his sophomore year last season in Florida's Class 3A league.

The high-school standout's all-around game has sparked intense interest from collegiate programs, such as Gonzaga and Florida State University, according to Windermere coach Brian Hoff.

"The strength of his game is his versatility and that he does so much well," Hoff told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.

"He shot 47 percent from the 3-point line as a 6-foot-9 sophomore. That is unheard of. He's an outstanding passer. He's extremely efficient. Great timing on blocking shots... He will be a unique player because he does so much well."

Du said players will be eased into the camp in the first week before progressing to scrimmages, tactics sessions and individual skill development.

"Twenty days is not a long time, but I hope everyone can gain something from it. Seize the opportunity and make it count for a better future," Du said.