Hoops & dreams

Team Shannon comprised celebrities and sports stars that included NFL linebacker Micah Parsons, Canadian YouTuber and television host Lilly Singh, US actor Quincy Isaiah and Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA.

"At the first team meeting in the locker room, the native English speakers quickly got acquainted. They sang songs I hadn't heard, and with the language barrier, I couldn't join in the conversation, which initially made me feel a bit reserved," Wang recalls.

"However, when we hit the court for warmups, communication improved through the passing of the ball and by using basketball gestures with them. After scoring during the game, I exchanged high-fives and chest bumps with teammates, and we started to bond."

Later, he arranged to meet up and shoot some hoops with a few of his newly made friends.

Wang's passion for the sport began in primary school, when he enrolled in extracurricular basketball classes every Thursday. Initially, Wang signed up for the badminton class, practicing on the school field with the teacher.

"The area where we practiced badminton was right next to the basketball court, and badminton doubles can only be played with four people. I saw basketball, which is five-on-five, as more lively and high-spirited. I was instantly attracted to it and started playing basketball instead," he says.

From that point on, the game became a regular part of his school life.

"Back then, I was regarded as quite skilled among the players in my circle. Teammates were willing to pass me the ball, relying on me to score, and I would always imagine myself as a basketball star," he adds.

"Competitive sports require determination, a sense of belief and a winning mentality."

His confidence on the court has extended beyond the sidelines and into his everyday life.

During his time as a student at Sichuan Southwest College of Civil Aviation, Wang developed an interest in hip-hop culture.

Actively participating in the school's talent competitions and performances, he caught the attention of the school's publicity teacher, leading to a photo shoot for the cover of the school's magazine and promotional materials.

In 2017, at the age of 18, he traveled alone to Changsha, Hunan province, to participate in a talent show as an amateur participant and was the only one not contracted to an entertainment company.

Despite having no prior professional performance experience, his confidence and grit, combined with his open communication and expressive nature, won favor with the judges.

Ultimately, he secured the championship and won the opportunity to become the male lead in the TV series Meteor Garden (2018).

This would prove to be his big break.