After a season of struggle in his freshman year, where he earned only 7.5 minutes per game as a sub, Wang rose to the occasion in his sophomore season by earning an average 20.1 minutes in 33 games, including 24 starts, and contributing 6.2 points and 3.3 rebounds.

His always strong self-confidence, stemming from hard work, and improving overall game drew attention from Team China head coach Guo Shiqiang during a US scouting trip in January to draft talent for his Asia Cup roster.

To the surprise of even some of the squad's die-hard fans, the unheralded Wang suited up in red for the first time in Team China's Cup opener against the host on Aug 5, and the rest is history.

"Opportunities are rare. They don't come every day. When they do, you have to grab them tightly," said Wang.

"It (the one-point loss) proved we belong on the same level as the world's best. It gave us hope. If we keep pushing, keep working on our details, why can't we beat them one day?"

Now that he's taken another step up the ladder, Wang is looking further upward.

"Perhaps next year, I will sign up with the NBA Draft to try my chance at the professional level. Should I go undrafted, I will continue seeking opportunities to ply my trade in overseas leagues and look to elevate my game in higher-level competitions after graduation."

Yang Hanchu contributed to this story.