The G League Ignite have reportedly added another big name to the fold for the 2021-22 season.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Ignite will sign Fanbo Zeng, a 6-foot-10 forward that was initially committed to play college basketball for national runner-up Gonzaga University.
Fanbo Zeng, China’s top basketball prospect, is decommitting from Gonzaga and planning to join the NBA G League Ignite, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . https://t.co/Qh9FEhvDRM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2021
Born in China, Zeng moved to the United States at 14, eventually landing at Windermere Prep in Windermere, FL, a suburb of Orlando. At Windermere, Zeng was first ranked as the 33rd prospect in the Class of 2022 before reclassifying to the Class of 2021, where he is still considered a four-star recruit by ESPN .
Some highlights of Fanbo Zeng, a 6'9 athletic Chinese forward with a sweet shooting stroke who can handle and pass the ball impressively for a 17-year old that size. Should fit in very nicely at Gonzaga starting next summer. (news story: https://t.co/dxTAeV8iK5 ) pic.twitter.com/aKLBkjuIns
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) November 22, 2020
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zeng returned home to China and due to travel restrictions, was unable to return to the United States to compete in what would become his final high school season following his reclassification.
Zeng will be eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft following the 2021-22 season with the Ignite.
The report of Zeng's commitment comes less than a day after the Ignite officially announced the signing of five-star forward Michael Foster , who was the team's first signing for the upcoming season. The duo will follow the path laid by the inaugural Ignite squad that featured the likes of soon-to-be lottery picks Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga as well as Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, Princepal Singh, and Kai Sotto.
Stick with NBA.com for more updates on Zeng, the 2021 NBA Draft and the upcoming season for the NBA G League Ignite.
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