Standing at an impressive 2.21 meters, former Chinese men’s basketball centre Zhang Zhaoxu has ventured into diverse roles as a commentator post-retirement.
His bold transition from the court to the commentary box has added a fresh layer of excitement to the game.
Recording engaging podcast episodes
Mentoring young talents at basketball camps
Showcasing artistic skills with hand-painted football star portraits
zhang Zhaoxu shines as a guest commentator
It’s been a year and a half as Zhang Zhaoxu, the towering 2.21-meter former Chinese men’s basketball center, retired, yet his influence continues to grow. Today, he is a sought-after guest commentator for CBA highlight games on a popular online platform. Leveraging his deep understanding of the game and articulate commentary, fans commend him for his insightful and precise analysis.
Over the past year,Zhang has expanded his horizons by launching a podcast,managing a youth basketball training camp,and collaborating with organizations to organize high school basketball tournaments.His efforts have earned him a solid reputation in the sports community.
Many view Zhang Zhaoxu as a prime example of a successful post-retirement transition for a basketball player. Despite never clinching a CBA championship, his unconventional career path has opened doors to a variety of opportunities, showcasing his versatility beyond the court.
A unique journey to basketball stardom
Zhang zhaoxu’s background is far from typical for a basketball player. Hailing from a family with no ties to sports, he excelled academically as a child, frequently enough topping his class. “I consistently ranked first in my class,” he recalls.
By the age of 15, Zhang had reached a height of 2.05 meters. “My parents thoght it would be a waste if I didn’t try basketball,” he shared. During a summer break in junior high, his parents encouraged him to give basketball a shot, though no one anticipated a professional career. A bone age test conducted by his coach predicted he would grow to 2.17 meters. After three months of training, the coach confidently stated that Zhang had the potential to play for a provincial team.
this marked a turning point in Zhang’s life. After three years of rigorous training, he was selected for the Shandong Youth Team, leading them to victory in the 2005 National Youth League Championship. At 18, Zhang was invited to an international basketball training camp, where he rubbed shoulders with future NBA stars like Beasley, Mayo, and the Lopez brothers. “The experience was eye-opening. Their skill level was remarkable, but it also motivated me to push my limits,” he reflected.
Zhang Zhaoxu, a towering figure in Chinese basketball, has always been drawn to the idea of balancing academics and athletics. “The life of studying while playing basketball is something I’ve always admired and found incredibly appealing. Honestly, I’ve never been solely focused on basketball. I’ve always believed that education should not be sacrificed,” Zhang shared.
This mindset led Zhang to carve out a unique path in his career. Unlike most players who join youth teams before transitioning to professional leagues, Zhang chose to enroll at the university of California, berkeley, in 2007. There, he pursued both his academic and athletic ambitions, refusing to compromise on either.
At the time, Zhang’s journey was unconventional for Chinese athletes. While his performance in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) may not have been extraordinary, it set a precedent for future generations. ”The path I took isn’t for everyone, and it was far from easy. But I believe my experience can inspire young Chinese players who share similar aspirations. That’s where its true value lies,” Zhang explained.
Zhang Zhaoxu: The National Team’s morale Booster
In 2010, Zhang joined the CBA’s Shanghai team, earning the nickname “Little Yao Ming” due to his impressive height, reminiscent of the legendary Yao Ming.After 11 years with Shanghai,he moved to the Tianjin team,where he played until his retirement in 2023. Though he never clinched a championship, Zhang poured his heart into every game.
One of the most memorable chapters of Zhang’s career was his time with the Chinese men’s basketball national team. while he often played a supporting role to stars like Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian, his contributions were invaluable. “My primary responsibilities were solid defense, setting screens, and supporting my teammates. I was seen as a functional player, but I was still a crucial part of the team’s success,” Zhang reflected.
Among his teammates, Zhang was best known for his pre-game ritual of leading the team in a morale-boosting “war dance.” This tradition became a fan favorite and remains a topic of discussion years later. Despite his natural shyness and lack of dance experience, Zhang embraced the role. “It started as a team tradition in the U.S., where freshmen had to dance on stage. My height made the video go viral, and Coach Deng Huade thought I had a knack for creating a lively atmosphere. Eventually, it became my trademark,” Zhang recalled with a smile.
From the Court to the Commentary Booth
In April 2023, Zhang Zhaoxu retired after a 13-year professional career, marking the beginning of a new chapter.While he didn’t have a concrete plan post-retirement, he was certain about one thing: basketball would always remain a part of his life.
Transitioning into sports commentary became Zhang’s way of staying connected to the game. This career shift is a popular choice among retired athletes, and Zhang quickly made a name for himself in the field. Fans praise his insightful analysis and ability to cut straight to the heart of the game. His commentary has graced major events like the NBA, CBA finals, and all-Star Games.
“The most memorable commentary experience for me was the 100th Liao-Guangdong showdown. The level of attention from fans and media was overwhelming,” Zhang shared. His ability to engage audiences and provide expert analysis has solidified his reputation as a respected voice in basketball commentary.
Pioneering a New Path: the First Retired Player to Launch a Podcast
beyond commentary, Zhang Zhaoxu has ventured into podcasting, becoming the first retired Chinese basketball player to do so. His podcast offers a platform to share his experiences, insights, and stories from his career, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Zhang’s journey—from the court to the commentary booth and now the podcasting world—demonstrates his versatility and enduring passion for basketball. As he continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, Zhang Zhaoxu remains a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in sports.
From Commentary to Podcasts: Zhang zhaoxu’s New Ventures
Zhang Zhaoxu has been exploring new avenues since retiring from professional basketball. One of his notable endeavors is sports commentary, where he shares insights from a player’s viewpoint.“Every word I say during commentary sparks discussions among fans,” Zhang Zhaoxu remarked. “I try to bring the excitement of the game to the audience while maintaining fairness and adding a touch of humor.” His commentary style has resonated with fans, earning him praise for his ability to connect with viewers on a deeper level.
In addition to commentary, Zhang Zhaoxu has ventured into podcasting, becoming one of the first retired basketball players to launch such a program. He handles everything from recording to editing, which has given him a unique perspective on his own communication skills. “While producing the podcast, I noticed areas where I could improve, like avoiding long-winded introductions or repetitive phrases,” he shared. “Listening to myself after recording helps me refine my delivery and make the content more engaging for listeners.”
Mentoring the Next Generation: Zhang Zhaoxu’s Basketball Training Camps
Zhang Zhaoxu’s passion for basketball extends beyond commentary and podcasts. He has dedicated important time and resources to establishing basketball training camps for young players. His Shanghai-based camp, named “Qingyu Basketball,” has grown to include three campuses and serves approximately 700 children. The camp has earned a strong reputation in the industry, thanks to its focus on quality coaching and player growth.
Since retiring, Zhang Zhaoxu has been able to devote more energy to his training camp. While the camp’s coaches handle most of the day-to-day instruction, Zhang occasionally steps in to teach advanced techniques or share his professional experiences. Though, he has learned to tailor his teaching methods to suit the age and skill level of his students. “Some moves might look impressive,but they aren’t always practical for younger players,” he explained. “Adapting to each child’s needs is key to effective coaching.”
Zhang Zhaoxu also emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-reflection. During his playing career, he maintained a daily training diary to document his progress and experiences. He encourages young players at his camp to adopt a similar habit. “Even writing one sentence a day can help them stay focused and committed to improving,” he said. The camp also prioritizes attendance and encourages parents to engage with their children about their progress, fostering a supportive environment for growth.
Inspiring Youth Through Competition: The “Crazy July” Tournament
Inspired by the vibrant youth basketball culture in the United States, Zhang Zhaoxu launched the “Crazy July” high school basketball tournament. The event debuted successfully in Shanghai last year and aims to expand its reach nationwide. “I want to create opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and compete at a higher level,” zhang said. “This tournament is a way to inspire the next generation and give them a platform to shine.”
Zhang Zhaoxu’s post-retirement journey reflects his desire to stay active and explore new challenges. “I don’t want to settle into a cozy routine,” he admitted. “trying different things helps me discover where I can make the most impact.” Whether it’s through commentary, podcasting, or organizing tournaments, Zhang remains committed to contributing to the basketball community.
The Artistic Side of a Basketball Giant
Beyond his contributions to basketball, Zhang Zhaoxu has also showcased his artistic talents. He gained attention on social media after sharing a video of his hand-drawn portraits of NBA and CBA stars. The video featured over 20 meticulously crafted sketches, each capturing the essence of the players with remarkable detail. Fans were amazed by his skill, with one commenting, “Who knew a 2.20-meter-tall basketball player could be such a talented artist? Zhang Zhaoxu is truly a painter who was delayed by basketball!”
Zhang’s artistic abilities stem from his childhood. He began practicing sketching in elementary school and continued through junior high, dedicating weekends and holidays to honing his craft. “Painting has always been a passion of mine,” he said. “It’s a way to express myself creatively, and I find it incredibly fulfilling.” His artwork not only highlights his versatility but also serves as a reminder that athletes can excel in diverse fields beyond their sport.
Zhang Zhaoxu, a former professional basketball player, has discovered a new passion in his post-retirement life: art. “It’s a talent I’ve always had,” he reflects. “Now that I have more free time, I want to showcase a different side of myself on social media. For instance, I’ve been using my artwork to highlight trending topics in basketball. I find inspiring images of players online and recreate them.It takes me around 8 to 9 hours to complete a large piece, but the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. I hope people can see a new dimension of who I am.”
Returning to painting has been an emotional journey for Zhang. “I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush in years while I was playing basketball,” he shares.”but after retiring, when I started drawing again, it brought back memories of my childhood art school. The classroom scenes and the creative energy were truly special.” Over the past year, Zhang has dedicated significant time to his art. Before traveling to the U.S. for an event, he set a personal goal to complete a detailed portrait of NBA stars. He created a daily schedule, breaking the project into smaller sections, and successfully achieved his target. “This is my way of promoting basketball culture, even if it’s not on the court,” he explains.
Zhang’s exploration of multiple fields post-retirement reflects his curiosity and adaptability.”every athlete’s journey is unique,” he notes. “While many choose to transition into coaching—whether at the grassroots level or with professional teams—others, like me, venture into different areas. To succeed outside of sports, athletes need to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges based on their individual strengths. The key is to stay true to yourself and avoid being confined by traditional expectations. Breaking free from mental limitations opens up endless possibilities.”
This article was written by reporter Song Xiang, with coordination and photos provided by Wang Yong and the interviewee.
Retired Athletes as commentators: A Growing Trend
In the world of professional basketball, retired players like Zhang Zhaoxu are increasingly finding new roles as commentators, podcast hosts, or talk show personalities. This trend is particularly prominent in the NBA, where legends such as Shaquille O’Neal and charles Barkley have captivated audiences with their distinctive commentary styles. similarly, players like Paul George and Draymond Green have launched successful podcasts, blending their expertise with entertainment to engage fans.
In the CBA, this trend is also gaining momentum. Former players are stepping into the spotlight, offering fans professional insights and analysis. Huo Nan, a former Beijing Olympics player and member of the Chinese Men’s Basketball Training Team, is one of the pioneers in this space. Just a week before the 2013-2014 season began, Huo received an invitation to serve as a guest commentator for the CBA opening game. Despite being new to the role, his extensive playing experience and strong communication skills helped him quickly adapt. With thorough preparation and a natural flair for storytelling,Huo established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
Over time, Huo Nan’s commentary style evolved, characterized by humor and memorable one-liners. His collaborations with Yang Ming, the current coach of the Liaoning team, became fan favorites, drawing significant attention and engagement. following Huo’s success, other retired players like Li Gen, Zeng lingxu, and Zhang Zhaoxu have also entered the commentary arena, leveraging their deep basketball knowledge to connect with audiences.
Huo Nan believes this trend benefits both fans and retired athletes. “Every commentator brings their own unique perspective and experiences,” he says. “This diversity enriches the way fans understand the game. It’s a win-win situation—fans gain deeper insights, and retired players can continue to contribute to the sport they love.”
As more athletes embrace this path, the world of sports commentary continues to evolve, offering fresh voices and innovative approaches to storytelling in basketball.
Eryone has different talents and interests,” he said. “I believe in exploring them fully and not limiting myself to just one identity. Whether it’s basketball, commentary, podcasting, or art, each of these pursuits allows me to express myself in unique ways and connect with people on different levels.”
Zhang Zhaoxu’s multifaceted journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that life after professional sports can be just as dynamic and fulfilling. His ability to seamlessly transition from the court to the commentary booth, the podcasting studio, and even the art studio highlights his versatility and relentless drive to grow.
As he continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and artists alike, zhang Zhaoxu remains a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to a rich and impactful post-retirement life. Whether he’s analyzing a game, sharing stories on his podcast, coaching young players, or creating stunning portraits, Zhang’s contributions to the world of basketball and beyond are a testament to his enduring legacy.
