Now back in the CBA, the 29-year-old Wang is striving to help Bayi regain their former dominance. He is averaging 27.6 points and 9.4 rebounds this season, both career highs.

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"I agree with Jonas's view," Bayi coach Adi Jiang said about Wang's NBA prospects.

"I hope Wang Zhizhi can continue to raise his level and help our team more.

"Since he came back, every game he has played he has helped us a lot. More important he came back and quickly meshed with the team."

Wang is now on a collision course to meet up in the CBA finals with reiging champions Guangdong, who boast five national team players including 19-year old center Yi Jianlian - likely to be a high pick in the June NBA draft.

The two teams each boast 21 wins with just four losses and have split two games between them this season.

Although the two centers were evenly matched in those two games, Wang has easily taken the lion's share of headlines in China's basketball-crazy sports press, while coaches and players universally praise his play.

"Wang Zhizhi brings a lot of positives, he has become a focus of the fans, he has contributed a lot to the league and to the national team, especially at the Asian Games," Beijing Ducks coach Min Lulei said after a 112-89 loss to Bayi on Friday.

"I think that Wang Zhizhi's returning to China was a very wise choice for him and for the national team. It is all very positive ... except that we can't figure out how to stop him."

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