No Offseason: Weijie (Kevin) Zhang Makes A Name For Himself In Professional Basketball
Born in China and raised in California, the aspiring guard sat under the learning tree of Pooh Richardson, Jamaal Franklin, and the WNBA's New York Liberty. Now it's Kevin's time to grow in the game.
It can be a very long offseason for players who play in The Basketball League. That’s part of the patient chase of playing in a condensed professional league that boasts small market teams across North America. A lot of guys spend the summer getting better. Some players occupy their time by looking and planning ahead for the upcoming 2025 season. Few guys are simply confident in their own abilities on the court and the career path they are pursuing.
Weijie (Kevin) Zhang just happens to be doing all of these things and much more this summer.
Originally from Beijing by way of Army and Navy Academy in California, Zhang spent last season playing in TBL with the Tri State Admirals, where the sound guard utilized his vast experience from playing JUCO and professionally in China. It also helps that Zhang has sat under the learning tree of former NBA player and San Diego State Hall of Famer, Jammal Franklin, and former NBA guard and UCLA legend, Pooh Richardson — two outstanding basketball players who can attest to Kevin’s overall development on the floor. He can also thank the WNBA for that as Zhang recently spent time working with the New York Liberty as a Basketball Operations Coordinator and player development assistant.
Now, with preparations being made for the 2025 basketball season, Kevin turns his attention to taking his own next step forward in the game and as a professional.
It looks like you have been around the world and back again with basketball from your experiences in college, playing in China, and competing in TBL. But before we get into that, can you share a little bit about having faith in your abilities on the court and how that has played a role in pursuing your professional aspirations in the game?
Yes absolutely, my faith really just comes from my love for the game. No matter where I am in the world, I know one thing which is to play high level basketball. In China high level basketball is the professional leagues for me, the CBA, and NBL. I watched both leagues very closely when I was young. As a kid I always dreamed about playing on that stage. When I finally did, it was a dream come true.
When I was in college, playing professionally was my only goal in mind. I almost used every summer to workout instead of working an internship. I truly appreciate my parents for supporting this decision of mine. Later on in my college career I had an opportunity to workout with one of the best import players in the CBA, former NBA player and San Diego State Hall of Famer, Jammal Franklin. We workout with the same trainer, and at first I will just do rebound for him, but then he will always invite me to play with him. When I heard he invited me to play live one- on-one, at first I couldn’t believe it because he is a legend and currently playing in China still.. After a couple workouts I asked him for advice, and told him I wanted to play in China after college. He said he likes my game, and he thought I could play there.. I think that is when I really believed that I could play professionally in China.
How has that strong belief changed for you in the last couple of years?
After my first year in NBL, I realized that this might not be best fit for me for my overall personal growth. My ultimate goal is to play in the CBA, and NBL is not a development league, there are no transactions between the two leagues. There are guys who move up to the CBA but that is when their contract is up. There is no call up, and the top teams won’t move up to the CBA. That is when I decided to come back where I grew my game for the past 8 years both in college and high school, the US to continue my basketball career and also get my master’s at the same time. That is when I put my eyes on the TBL. Also I wanted to seek job opportunities as well, I know TBL is very flexible and a good percentage of the players still can work another job on top of the TBL. That is something that I think is very attractive for me .
You actually came to the US when you were 15 years old and attended Army and Navy Academy. Did you know then that you’d one day follow your own hoop dreams of playing professionally?
Man, I came to the US with a hoop dream. That is what motivated me to move here by myself at such a young age. But I think I am the only one who believes that, because I was not very good, and I only seriously played basketball for one year before I landed in Los Angeles. I convinced my parents that if they let me come here for high school, then I can learn good English and have a good education. But what I really want to do is play basketball and give myself a chance to play college basketball. My ultimate goal was professional basketball, but I know in order to do that I need to be good enough to play in college first.
I did know that I was for sure going to play professional basketball, at the time I just wanted to be a good high school player. Before high school I didn’t really play organized basketball, I just worked out with my trainer for a year when I came to the states. Fast forward to my first practice with the team, I couldn’t even catch the ball when my teammates passed it to me. That is when I realized that this is a whole different level, I really need to work hard if I want to get to college.
Where does your love for basketball come from?
It just came from playing pick up with my friends during middle school. The basketball courts are right outside our academic building, so are more accessible than other facilities in our school. My first sport is soccer, but the soccer field is far from the academic building and every time we go, we need our PE teacher to go with us, and sometimes if they are busy then we can’t go. So I started to play basketball more and realized this is more fun than soccer so that is when I started to fall in love with basketball.
How has your own family been there for you as you pursue your hoop dreams?
I want to thank my parents for supporting me along my basketball journey. It can be odd at times for parents to support their kid’s dream to play basketball instead of following academics for a good worldly ranked university. I gave up attending the University of California from different locations to attend JUCO and continue my basketball career. They supported my decision. I truly appreciate that. Along this journey they always had my back and they were not afraid of being different and offering words of encouragement of what I want to do in life.
Your overall experience remains impressive from playing in The Basketball League, Basketball Super League, the American Basketball Association, and also the National Basketball League of China. How have you approached these opportunities and the chance to develop as a player?
It helped me a lot. Playing in different leagues requires me to be more adaptable on and off the court, understanding the new rules and teammates, and different cultures are always a key. On the court, I just make sure that I play hard on defense, make shots on offense, and create for my teammates. I know if I do those things I will be fine, no matter what league I am playing in. I understand my ultimate goal is to continue to have an opportunity to play and improve myself, these three leagues have provided me amazing opportunities to do so. So I do appreciate the opportunities that I get to play in all three of these leagues.
What’s the scouting report on Weijie “Kevin” Zhang?
My scouting report will be someone who is a good defender who can pick up 94 ft, also running the office, and execute what the coaches want. Also I am a good pick and roll player who is looking to get my bigs involved. Finally I am someone you can’t leave open, I like to pull up in the mid range and also knock down 3s.
What does your own heritage and family roots in China mean to you? A lot of times when you are playing in these various pro leagues, you are doing some usually as “the first China born player”. Is that a lot of responsibility for you? Or how do you handle such pressure?
Being the first China born player means a lot to me. I don’t think many people know about my story and the leagues and teams I have played on. Since I don’t have much attention on me, I just want to focus on keep going, and make an impact wherever I land my feet on. Me playing in Canada and BSL is something I never even thought about. I always knew the Canadian leagues are tough because they are all G-League and Division I level players, who can be an import to other leagues around the world. For example, my NBL team’s previous import player played for the Sudbury Five, his name is Braylon Rayson. So as a local player in the NBL, I know being an import in the NBL is tough and you have to be at a high level. So when I had the chance to be the first Chinese player to play in the BSL I was just so honored and hopefully I can be an inspiration for the younger players for them to believe that CBA and NBL are not the only options for them to play professional basketball.
When you think about your time at San Diego Christian College, what comes to mind first? How did playing JUCO make you a better player and person?
When I think about my time at Christian, the first thing that came up was adversity. Because I dealt with a lot of injuries, and my role was not consistent. It was hard for me to find a rhythm the whole two years there. But I made some good memories, and stuck to my own development plan. Because I know no matter how I play at Christian, I will have a chance to go back home and try to play on a professional team. Because players who are playing US college basketball are still rare. But overall I appreciate the opportunity I had with San Diego Christian, they gave me a spot and a scholarship for me to continue my career, and they were my only scholarship offer coming out of juco. We played some big Division I schools, that was a great experience also, especially the game at Viejas Arena against San Diego State when they ranked No.4 in the country.
Playing in JUCO really made me understand what it means to hold your own. JUCO is very competitive, everyone there is to get out. Everyone only got two years to land a scholarship to continue their career. I put a lot of extra work in on my own just so that I can have the tools to help me perform better on the court, and also be more efficient. I made some great relationships at JUCO, I'd say the big environment is very competitive and having a coach really had my back my sophomore year really helped me grow so much as a player and as a person.
Prior to SDCC, you were at both Mira Costa College and the College of the Desert. How did each of those situations and/or coaching staff help you grow?
I’d say at Mira Costa is where I started my college career. When I attended there, I wasn’t ready to play. I made the team because my coach thought I am a guy who is good for the culture, and works hard. So I put a lot of extra time in while I was there, no matter if it was in between classes, or late at night or early mornings. I was in the gym all the time. Even though I put a lot of time in and tried my best, there still isn't a role for me where I can have a lot of playing time. That is when I decided that I needed to transfer and have a fresh start.
My teammate at the time was living with me, and he mentioned he knew the coaches at College of the Desert, and he promised me that they would love me. So he called the coaches there, and they invited us out for a workout. That is when I met Coach Henry Viveros and Coach Ken Simonds. When I got there Coach Ken, assistant coach at College of the Desert at the time, greeted us and showed us around. He mentioned he likes my size, as I am a little bit more sturdy than their previous point guards. I thought that was a really good sign. During the workout, I just went super hard, the coach loved my effort. During the spring I just kept driving two hours to workout and then back. Eventually, I earned myself a spot on the team.
Over the summer we had 10 year NBA veteran Pooh Richardson join our coaching staff. One thing he was preaching during our workouts is the ability to consistently make mid-range jump shots. He said as a small guard, mid-range pull ups have to be as consistent as lay ups. I took it to heart, and really tried to master my mid range pull up that summer.
We had a summer showcase after our summer workouts ended. I played terribly, and feel like I forgot how to play basketball. I started, but I couldn’t find any rhythm. I was scared that I was going to lose my spot, and my coaches were going to lose faith in me. I start to hear the voice of people talking about how bad I did around me. It was not a good feeling. But my Coach V and Coach Ken texted me right after the game telling me that I don’t have a lot of game experience and I never had such a big role like this one before. They told me to keep going and eventually I am going to be just fine. That felt good after a terrible tournament, at least my coaches believed in me.
Fast forward to pre season, that’s around late September, we have a big JUCO showcase where almost everyone is going. That is something more important than the summer one. I was nervous as usual, but I am still the starter. I thought that was a good chance for me to redeem myself. Then I did, over the four games that weekend I played really well, and proved why I am starting. I was really proud of myself that I can turn things around after a bad summer showing.
I started off the season well, but my performance went down again. First 3 games of the season I scored 8 points total while averaging probably almost 30 mins a game. Coach V told me don’t worry, we still believe in you after the 2nd game. He knew I was in my own head. But the 3rd game I went 0-8 and our team lost a close one. Coach Pooh called me out, saying I can not be one of the main players on the team and score 0 points. Coach Ken also came to me and said hey if you open just shoot the ball, if you hesitate I am going to pull you out. So the fourth game I was very focused and wanting to bounce back from last night. We got to the game early, and I get to have a great warm up and I felt good. During the game, I was being decisive and being aggressive. I started hitting shots, and making the right play, I played like I belonged. I ended up having 20 points that game, I went 7-11 from the floor.
That is the game where I proved to myself that I am a college player, and I belong to college basketball. The rest of the season I played my best season at any level, eventually helping me land a scholarship with San Diego Christian College. So I am very grateful for Coach Henry Viveros and Coach Ken Simonds. They really helped me turn my basketball career around.
You mentioned being able to be coached by Pooh Richardson. What's the best words of advice he's given you? And what kind of impact has he made on you as a basketball player and a person?
When our coach first introduced Coach Pooh to us I couldn’t believe it because I would never have thought a coach of his caliber would want to coach at the JUCO level. When he first came in he was willing to develop us, and wanted to help us reach the next level as student-athletes. I think the best advice he ever gave to me was to be so consistent with my mid-range pull up shot so it becomes a lay up.
I remember one time I ran into him at the only 24 Hour Fitness we have in the desert. I asked him if he could work me out and surprisingly, he said yes. When we started the workout, all we did was different types of mid-range pull ups shots. I don’t remember anything else we did other than pulling up from mid-range. All types of handoffs. Coming off the screen. Coach Pooh really emphasizes that especially for an undersized guard. Another drill we did was, he let us do two ball pounds at the top of the key for like a minute or two minutes. Once he sees you start to struggle, and your arms start to burn, he will wait for a little longer just to push you a little more. Then he will blow the whistle. The player will drop one ball and dribble the other one to the foul line for a mid-range pull up. Those drills are very old school, but it helps with shot consistency.
Why was the TBL and Tri State the right fit for you last season? Is your plan to return to the league and Admirals next season?
The reason I chose to play for Tri State is because of Coach D. He was my ABA coach, and he gave me a chance to play in the ABA, and then he invited me to workout with the Admirals as well. Also Tri State is the closest team to me, so it worked out perfectly. I appreciate Coach D providing my opportunities for me to continue my pro career in both leagues, and also the opportunity to compete and make history in Canada.
If there is an opportunity I am definitely interested in going back and continuing to play for the Admirals. I had some injury problems that caused me couldn’t be fully present with the team. So I believe I can do more without injuries.
When it comes to the offseason, what has your workout routine been like and what has been your focus over the summer?
During the offseason, I try to get my work done early. I usually go to the gym around 6:00 am for basketball workouts, and around 7:00 am for strength workouts. I do that round four times a week, and on the weekends I have some games around the city I am playing in. Summer ball is big in the city, so I try to enjoy that as well.
Also this summer there are some Chinese pros in town, for example, Portland Trailblazers G Yongxi ``Jacky” Cui, was in town and I was invited to workout with him to prepare him for summer league. Also Team Hong Kong guard Oliver Xu and Beijing Royal FIghter F Shaojie Wang. Playing with guys who are playing in the big leagues helps me with my game big time, I can test where my skills are and I played well against them, so I believe the TBL’s competition is definitely helping me get better and keeping me in shape.
My goal for the summer is to get stronger in the weight room, and improve my shooting consistency. I don’t feel like I was in my best shape during the season, so this summer I am really trying to get to the best shape I possibly can, and improve my shot consistency.
TBL hosts summer league tryouts and combines in preparation for next season. Have you attended any of those, and what are your thoughts about TBL and the level of play? Would you be interested in running it back in TBL?
Yes I have been following the TBL combine in Vegas, I saw a lot of BSL players attende. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to make it to Vegas this year. With that being said I did attend a try out that the Connecticut Crusaders hosted. The try out was on July 20th, and hosted at University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT. I did well in the combine, I probably went like 8-10 from threes (Nobody kept stats, but from what I remember I made 7 or 8 three and only missed 2). The staff liked my performance. At the end of the workout they told everyone that they are going to call and contact the players who were selected for an invite to training camp. But as we walk out of the gym, the owner, Dr. Hill, verbally said can’t wait to see me in training camp. I take that as a very good sign that I got her approval but I also understand that this is professional sports, and nothing will be guaranteed until I receive that call or a formal invite. So I’m not trying to get too ahead of myself, right now I am just glad that what I was working on so far has helped me big time. I will keep that same workout routine, and continue to get better.
TBL’s level of play is very high level and I ‘d say it is diverse. Sometimes you have overseas pros who played multiple seasons overseas, sometimes you have players just coming out of college, and you have BSL players who are very high level and a lot of them played in the G league. So I do believe TBL has a lot of talent, and it provides a need for many local basketball players who didn’t have the chance to play overseas yet, and are out of college. It gives players like those a chance to continue to chase their dreams, and also keep their basketball player status going.
I am definitely returning to the TBL, and continuing to improve my game. Eventually I want to use TBL to get me to the big leagues which is the CBA. I do believe the talent and competition level can help me tremendously to help me achieve that goal.
How often do you get confused with the other "Kevin Zhang", who played at Tulane and now with the Liaoning Flying Leopards?
When Kevin Zhang first went viral, some people thought I was him. But at the end of the day, he is also 6’9 and super athletic playing on a big stage. So people quickly realize we are very different. But he is one of the best players in the CBA with 3 championships I believe. He is definitely one of the best success stories of players who played in the US and then went back to the CBA.
Why should a head coach trust you to run the team?
I think a coach should trust me to run a team because of how I approach every game and practice. I am a player who can execute the game plan. I can get my teammates involved and hit open shots. I have a lot of intangible traits that can benefit the team as a whole. Also, having experiences with professional leagues in various countries around the world has helped me to adapt to any style and cultures, on and off the court.
You recently finished a stint working with the New York Liberty, where you served as a Basketball Operations Coordinator and player development assistant. How would you describe your time working with the Liberty and WNBA players? How did that experience make you a better professional yourself?
My time with the Liberty was great. I have learned a lot from some of the best players in the world and the chance to work alongside a classy coaching staff. I gained a lot of respect for professionals at that level. It definitely made me a better player, as I was serving as a practice player a lot during my time there along with other responsibilities. As a practice player, I was able to guard the WNBA players and these are all elite players. It amazes me how good they are at every little detail of the game: how they set their defender up before coming off a screen. The pace they play at. The discipline. The execution. Their basketball IQ is just on another level.
The coaching staff had some cool plays and sets that also helped me to run a modern basketball offense at the highest level. That helped me a lot when I went to play in my own leagues. I do think that my experiences at the Liberty helped me become a better player, and it helped me grow my understanding with basketball. I always joke with my friends by telling them that I received my Master’s degree in basketball from the New York Liberty.
*Connect with Kevin Zhang on Instagram.
Wendell Maxey is the author of Around The Basketball League and has written about professional basketball and sports for 20 years. He’s been featured on NBA.com, ESPN.com, USA Today, FOX Sports, and SLAM Magazine among other publications and media outlets. You can connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn or read through his archive on Linktree. This 2024 season, Wendell will also be a featured writer with the Basketball Super League.