Chinese basketball prospect Zeng Fanbo has decided to enter the NBA Draft in summer 2022, according to his agent Liu Jiacheng.

Zeng has signed with Ignite of the NBA G League, a team established with the purpose to help promising young men grow before trying to join the NBA.

"This is the best and fastest way to become a pro, and also get better every day. This was the best decision I could make while I was in China," Zeng told ESPN.

Zeng also revealed that he is now 2.11 meters tall, a standard height for a big man in the NBA, although he is still in desperate need to put on more muscles considering his current weight of 90 kilograms.

"Zeng is one of the most promising prospects to come out of China in some time, garnering significant attention for his high-flying finishing ability and 3-point shooting," wrote ESPN's Jonathan Givony of 18-year-old Zeng.

He went to Oregon when he was 14 years old and played high school basketball for three years there and in Florida, averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists per game as a sophomore at Windermere Preparatory School in Orlando. Zeng was also a lethal shooter who fired at 47 percent from the 3-point line.

"That changed everything for me – learning how to play with and against other athletic players. In high school, I defended everyone: guards, forwards and even big men. I can fit in any team because I take open shots, find teammates and make good decisions with the ball. Growing 2 inches has helped me jump higher and improve my defense and rebounding," Zeng told ESPN.

His performance and potential drew the attention of Gonzaga University, which offered Zeng a scholarship. But in the end, he decided to join Ignite.

"I'm not saying the NCAA isn't good – just that the G League is the best way for me," said Zeng. "Everyone in China paid attention to Ignite last year. They love it. We were able to watch all the G League games and replays. Ignite helped Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga become pros."

Green and Kuminga were drafted by the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors, respectively, with the second and seventh overall pick. ESPN included four players from Ignite's current roster in its 100 top recruits for the 2022 NBA Draft: Jaden Hardy (No. 3), Dyson Daniels (No. 15), Michael Foster (No. 31) and MarJon Beauchamp (No. 53).