The Long Road to the CBA: Kevin Zhang’s Battle Through the ABA and TBL

September 29, 2024 – Canton, Ohio –

Weijie “Kevin” Zhang’s basketball journey is the story of a young man navigating the complex and competitive world of semi-professional, independent professional, and minor-league basketball, both in the U.S. and China. His ultimate goal is clear: to make it to the grand stage of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), the premier basketball league in his home country. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Zhang’s drive remains unshaken. His recent stints with the New York Harlem Underdogs (ABA) and Tri-State Admirals (TBL) have showcased his relentless work ethic and his capability to compete at a high level. Now, with the possibility of playing for either of these teams again, Zhang stands at a crossroads—each path offering unique opportunities that could bring him closer to realizing his dream of playing in the CBA.

Born in China on January 14, 1997, Zhang began his basketball journey at the age of 15 when he moved to the United States to attend the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California. Zhang’s transition to American basketball wasn’t without its difficulties, particularly as an international student who had to start on the JV team due to eligibility restrictions. However, his talent was undeniable. He worked his way up to varsity, where he helped his team achieve a top-five ranking in the San Diego area and advance to the California state quarterfinals—one of the school’s greatest achievements.

Zhang’s college career began at Mira Costa College, but it wasn’t until he transferred to College of the Desert that he truly found his footing. As team captain, Zhang became a key player, averaging 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His leadership and performance earned him a scholarship at San Diego Christian College, where he faced early-season struggles but ultimately proved his worth with a career-high 20-point game. Zhang’s perseverance during this period is a testament to his character—every setback became a stepping stone, and his determination only grew stronger.

After completing his college career, Zhang made the leap to professional basketball, starting in the National Basketball League (NBL) of China. Playing for the Hainan Haixiang Walrus, he averaged 2.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Despite these modest stats, Zhang was positioned for something greater: the Chinese Basketball Association. The National Basketball League (NBL) is often considered the second-tier professional basketball league in China, operating just below the CBA. While the CBA is the country’s premier basketball league—home to China’s top talent and international stars—the NBL serves as a developmental platform for players aspiring to reach the CBA. For many players, the NBL is a launching pad. It’s where rising talents, who may have been overlooked for various reasons, can prove themselves against stiff competition. The NBL also offers an opportunity for international players and those who have returned from playing overseas to gain experience in Chinese professional basketball.

Zhang’s time playing for the Hainan Haixiang Walrus in the NBL is important because it gave him his first exposure to the professional basketball system in China. Playing in the NBL allowed Zhang to adapt to a different basketball culture, with distinct strategies, coaching styles, and competition, allowing him to expand his versatility and understanding of the game. More importantly, the NBL is widely regarded as a feeder league to the CBA, and Zhang’s time there helped him gain visibility in front of CBA scouts. His performance validated his place among China’s rising basketball talents, and more importantly, it showed that he had the potential to succeed at the professional level.

At one point, Zhang was slated to be drafted into the CBA. His skill and work ethic had impressed scouts, and his opportunity to join the league seemed imminent. However, in a sudden turn of events, the team that had promised to draft him forfeited their pick—a move that had nothing to do with Zhang’s abilities but was instead due to unforeseen circumstances. Though this was a setback, it did not deter Zhang from pursuing his dream of making it to the CBA. Returning to the United States, Zhang joined the ABA’s New York Harlem Underdogs, where he averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 5 rebounds during the 2021-2022 season. As the first Chinese player on the team, Zhang was making history while showcasing his versatility and basketball IQ. His performance with the Underdogs reignited his passion and proved that he could compete at a high level, even if the CBA was still just out of reach.

In January 2024, Zhang took his talents to the Tri-State Admirals, a team in The Basketball League (TBL). Under the guidance of Coach D, who also owns the Underdogs, Zhang has had the unique opportunity to compete in both domestic and international arenas. One of his most notable recent performances was in the BSL/TBL Inter-League tournament in Canada, where he made history as the first China-born player to compete in the tournament. His performance against the Montreal Toundra, where he posted 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure situations.

Now, Zhang faces a critical decision: will he continue with the Tri-State Admirals in the TBL, or will he return to the ABA’s New York Harlem Underdogs? Both teams offer unique advantages. The Admirals, with their international exposure and more structured competitive environment, could help Zhang further develop his skills in preparation for the CBA. Meanwhile, the Underdogs, with their fast-paced and less restrictive style, could provide Zhang with more opportunities to shine individually.

For Zhang, semi-professional and independent leagues like the ABA and TBL are not where his story ends—they are stepping stones toward his ultimate goal of playing in the CBA. “To me, the big league is the CBA,” Zhang says. His ambition isn’t just to make a name for himself in these smaller leagues but to use them as platforms to develop and prepare for the grand stage. Zhang’s experiences in China’s minor leagues and the U.S. semi-professional circuit have given him a unique perspective on the game. He understands the nuances of international play, and his resilience in overcoming setbacks has only strengthened his resolve. The CBA represents not just a dream but a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

As Zhang considers his next move, both the Underdogs and the Admirals offer compelling reasons to stay. Coach D’s influence in both teams provides continuity, allowing Zhang to make a strategic decision based on what will best position him for a return to China—and, ultimately, a spot in the CBA. But Zhang’s journey is not solely about playing basketball; it’s about representing his country on an international stage and showing that Chinese-born players can thrive in global basketball arenas. He’s already made history as the first China-born player in both the ABA and the TBL. Now, all eyes are on what comes next.

Weijie “Kevin” Zhang’s basketball journey is a tale of perseverance, ambition, and unyielding determination. From his early days in California high schools to his time in the minor leagues in China and beyond, Zhang’s quest for a spot in the CBA has been shaped by hard work and resilience. With a crucial decision looming about whether to continue with the New York Harlem Underdogs or the Tri-State Admirals, one thing remains certain: Zhang will stop at nothing to achieve his dream of playing in the CBA. Whether it’s in the ABA or TBL, Zhang continues to push boundaries and break barriers, and it’s only a matter of time before the CBA recognizes his undeniable talent.