TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): Coming in as one of the star attraction for the event itself, Wang Zhelin held his own even in defeat with a double-double even as China went down to hosts Japan in the quarterfinals of the 4th FIBA Asia Cup on Thursday.

“I am happy for my performance, but disappointed for the result,” the 214-cm gangling teenager said post game analyzing his show in the event so far averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“We wanted to win so badly, so that we can prove what we are capable of. It just didn’t work,” he added.

“But we have a lot of positives to take back. For one, all of us played trying our best. On that count, nobody can doubt us. No team could take us for granted although we are all very young. In fact I think we are the youngest in the whole competition,” said Wang Zhelin.

“Even our most experienced player is only 19 years,” said Wang Zhelin referring to Guo Ailun.

“The most important lesson we take back from this participation is the overall experience of playing at this level,” Wang Zhelin, who was left out of China’s roster for the 2012 London Olympics only in the final cut said.

Dwelling more on his own learing experience at the 4th FIBA Asia Cup, Wang Zhelin: “This event has indeed been a reality check for me.”

“Frankly, I didn’t expect to blocked and checked like I have been here. So far I never had any trouble in the U18 level in Asia. But here I am finding the experience altogether new,” he explained.

Continuing on details, Wang Zhelin said: “Offensively I have a lot to learn yet. But on the defense I think I have picked a few very important skills. I was a lot more confident in going for the rebounds without the fear of fouls in this game (against Japan) than the last one.”

“There are many points like this I have picked. I have learnt that I need to learn more. That’s the biggest lesson,” he signed off.

S Mageshwaran / FIBA Asia

Photo: Milad Payami / FIBA Asia