"This is more than just a basketball player going into the NBA," Mavericks' assistant coach Donnie Nelson said in the press conference of the day. "In my opinion, Wang Zhizhi is a synonymous representative of the spirit of China."

Nelson said Wang, 2.13 meters, who was picked by Mavericks at 36th in the second round in 1999, would have a universal contract as any second-round picked player has. According to the collective bargain agreement, Wang will have the lowest-salary two-year contract with US$300,000 in the first year, and more than US$420,000 in the next year.

The 23-year-old Wang might play as No.16 in his first NBA game as early as on April 5 when the Mavericks face Atlanta Hawks at home, Nelson said. He is likely to play a backup to forward Dirk Nowitzki.

After two years of long and hard negotiation with Bayi and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, Mavericks finally ironed things straight for Wang, whose military rank is Fu Tuan, or Lieutenant in the US army.

"I remember two years ago when we sat down at our first meeting with the army, I think the (PLA's) perception was NBA body was coming over here to stick some claims onto their players. I know it's very uncomfortable to everyone," said Nelson when he contributed his thanks to Bayi and the Chinese Army releasing Wang to America.

"We educated each other. They educated Dallas Mavericks and Don Nelson on the Chinese way and we educated them on the NBA way.

"I hope this is a model for the future of the way that our countries can work toghter," Nelson claimed.

Mavericks waited patiently for one year and a half for the historical moment, said Nelson, and he warned the Chinese people to be patient for Wang's blossom in the NBA.

"The challenge to international players are largely mental - getting used to the enviroment, processing all that informations .. . the language and culture differences will be more significant.

"Chinese people must be patient. He is playing against the best athletes," Nelson added.

Wang, who won the crown of the Best Center in Asia last year, said, "It is my dream to play against the best players, like Tim Duncan (Spurs) and Kevin Garnett (Timberwolves). I can learn a lot from them. I am very happy that my dream comes true."

Wang also said he is glad to play a role of a basketball ambassador for the Chinese and American people.

"The Great Wall and pandas are the best-known Chinese things for most of the Americans, but there are a lot of other things in China that American people are not familiar with. I'll tell them the Chinese people are very nice and friendly. There are many young players, like me, who want to be the best in the world," Wang added. "I'll be happier if I have the chance to carry our national flag at the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing."

Nelson said the Beijing bidding committee, known as BOBICO, will have the full support of Dallas, who is bidding the 2012 Olympics. He gave Wang Wei, general secretary of BOBICO, Mavericks jersey with "Beijing 2008" characters printed on.

"It would be my dream to come here in 2008 and participate (the Olympics) in Beijing," Nelson said.

(People's Daily 03/29/2001)