The Mavericks' restricted free agent Wang Zhizhi resurfaced recently in Los Angeles and was interviewed by telephone by the Star Telegram's Dwain Price.  Countering speculation that he was defecting from China, Wang says he has stayed in America to improve his game against superior competition.  Moreover, he says, the Chinse officials are not upset that he has not returned to China.

The Chinese Basketball Association has sent two letters recalling Wang to China so he could practice with the national team.  Wang has ignored them both.  "They wanted me to come back, but it was important for me to stay here to improve my basketball skills," he said.  Wang says he has been working to improve his defense and rebounding.  He has coaches, he says, but won't say who those coaches are and who his competition is.

Wang plans to join the Chinese national team in Indianopolis for the World Championships, starting August 29th.