VARESE – Weilun Zhao wrote a page of history. Indeed two. In the defeat of his Openjobmetis al Milan Forum against Olimpia Milanothe playmaker born in 2005 has set two records: made his Serie A debut at the age of 16 (before him in the modern era we remember Stefano Rusconi and Andrea Meneghin, during the historic family derby against dad Dino) and was the first Chinese player to tread the parquet of the LBA. Despite being born in Prato, Zhao is Chinese and has only a Chinese passport. No one before him in Italy and, perhaps, also in Europe. Basketball in the Land of the Dragon isn’t exactly the most popular sport. The most famous athletes were Yao Ming (interminable pivot of 2.29 centimeters that he played in the Houston Rockets together with Luis Scola) e Jeremy Lin (who, however, had double US and Taiwanese passports and which, exactly 10 years ago, gave birth to the phenomenon of Linsanity in the Knicks taking advantage of the injuries of the most famous teammates). Weilun Zhao is a normal guy who goes out with Galileo Ferraris Scientific High School of Varese and who has had a great passion since childhood: the basket. He grew up in the minibasket of the Varese basketball and with the red and white jersey he climbed the youth categories year after year until his debut in the LBA. But often you can see him with the ball in hand in one of the many playgrounds of the Garden City. In a very green quintet with Matteo Librizzi, Nicolò Virginio and Guglielmo Caruso, Zhao played the last 2 minutes at the Forum and he also tried to score his first basket with a triple in Baldasso’s face (in the photo Alberto Ossola) without having any luck. In this interview he tells us all his emotion about him and, exclusively, he reveals a little secret that binds him to Gianmarco Pozzecco.
The emotion of the LBA debut
A little ‘I expected why coach Roijakkers he told me to get ready. LBA debut it was a very strong emotion, also because I was able to do it with the Varese basketball and that is the shirt I’ve always played with. Even after the game, I felt the support of everyone: players, teammates and coaches. What to say? It is fantastic to feel accompanied in an unforgettable moment for me.
The special link with Poz: our little secret and promises
Because during the heating the Item did he come to greet me so affectionately? I have known Gianmarco when he was head coach in Varese and we’ve become close friends ever since. I can reveal a little secret: sometimes we go to the pitch to do four pitches together… and I often win! Ours is a splendid relationship and we exchanged promises to each other: he wants to win the Scudetto as head coach and I want to win it as a player.
Basketball and me
I would like to get as high as possible. The coolest thing is wearing the Varese Basketball jersey, the team I grew up in. After the debut at the Forum I heard the support and affection of the whole city and it was beautiful. Winning with this company it would be the best for me. Then who knows… the dream is to play at the highest possible levels, in Italy, in Europe and also in the NBA.
The favorite player
There is no absolute favorite player. I try to “steal” everything I can from the most experienced teammates and I let myself be inspired by those around me. If I really have to name, then I say Steph Curry.
La Next Gen a Varese
It will be an experience that will help me a lot to grow. I thank the Academy to have organized this stage a Masnagobecause it will be an opportunity for compete with the best players in Europe. I will try to give my best, also to understand at what level are they from a physical and technical point of view against the peers of 2005 and 2004.
The first Chinese player to play in the LBA
It is a great honor to represent China in the LBA. My parents passed on to me the culture of their country of origin from an early age. Knowing that I am the first Chinese player to play in the Italian Serie A is a huge pride for me.
Openjobmetis Varese Zhao debut – MALPENSA24
