Zhang wants to repay his fans
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Xinjiang Flying Tigers' Zhang Qingpeng sees the All-Star Weekend as the perfect stage to pay back his hometown fans.
Although Zhang's performance declined sharply after transferring to the Flying Tigers from Liaoning Panpan last November, he still finished as this year's all-star ballot's runner-up, winning 199,924 votes - only behind veteran Wang Zhizhi, and set the pace for the North team.
The Liaoning native said the support of his home province fans, who bonded with him since his debut in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 2001, led to his high vote total and has provided him with special motivation this weekend.
"The fans at home have never stopped supporting me, no matter which team I play for. We have deep affection for each other and I will try my best to entertain them at the All-Star Game," said Zhang, who led Liaoning to the CBA finals in 2008 as captain. Although his side lost to the Guangdong Southern Tigers, 4-1, in that series, Zhang's effort drove the team to its peak and gave its fans a sweet memory.
"The All-Star Game is an event to show off your best. Fans love to watch crossovers, dunks and big shots. We should feed them what they want," he said.
Zhang, who boasted a 43.69 percent 3-point percentage throughout the regular season, will face South team starter Stephon Marbury in the 3-point shootout. Zhang claimed the title last year with a dazzling 22 points.
The 30-year-old said he was "totally refreshed" when he attended last year's All-Star Weekend at the MasterCard Center after it had been revitalized by Infront China.
After the All-Star Weekend, Zhang will team with fellow Xinjiang all-star teammates, Quincy Douby and Mengke Bateer, in pursuit of the team's first league title.
