Photo: FIBA

Chinese basketball legend Wang Zhizhi was officially named to the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Sunday. 

Wang, in his stellar career, claimed two FIBA Asia Cup titles, in 2001 and 2011. The explosive scorer also competed in four Olympics (1996, 2000, 2008, 2012) and two FIBA Basketball World Cups (2006, 2010). He was the first-ever Chinese to be drafted and play in the NBA.

A total of seven players and one coach are being recognized for their stellar individual contributions to the sport. Members of the Class of 2026 will be honored at an enshrinement ceremony on April 21 in Berlin - the same day as the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Draw, according to FIBA.

Inductees to the Class of 2026 also included Dirk Nowitzki of Germany, Wang's once Dallas Mavericks.

Wang, according to the CCTV, also became the fifth Chinese player enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame, following international hoops icon Yao Ming.

Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) sent a congratulatory message to Wang upon the FIBA recognition. The CBA stated that Wang Zhizhi's induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame is not only an affirmation of his professional career, but also a recognition of the dedication and perseverance of an entire generation of Chinese basketball players.

Global Times