Michelle Smith of NCAA Fanhouse with the story.
Coach Mike Montgomery confirmed that Zhang did not enroll in school for the fall semester. He played with China in the recent World Championships and will compete with the Chinese National Team in the Asian Games in November.
Zhang reviews it as his best chance to be on track for a spot on the Chinese Olympic Team for the 2012 Games in London.
According to the release from the Cal athletic department, the Bears are “hopeful” that Zhang will be back in class in the spring.
So for Cal fans counting, that’s five seniors (four starters) lost, plus three more lost to transfers, dismissals, or Olympic dreams. That’ll leave only four players who saw significant time last year to suit up for the Bears this fall—center Markhuri Sanders-Frison, defensive wingman and converted point guard Jorge Gutierrez, and backup point Brandon Smith. Rejoining them will be power forward Harper Kamp. So four Bears with significant Pac-10 experience.
What’s it like to root for a team with no expectations? Should be a ride.