Student Shaojie Wang of China was selected as first overall pick in the 2019 China Basketball Association Draft in Shanghai ©Peking University

Student Shaojie Wang's rise to the top of basketball in China continues after the Peking University forward was selected by Beijing Begcl Basketball Club as the first overall pick in the the 2019 China Basketball Association (CBA) Draft in Shanghai.

The 23-year-old, fresh from competing at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy, earlier this month, led Peking University to the Chinese University Basketball Association (CUBA) League title and a third Grand Slam in June.

Wang, who averages 14.5 points, seven rebounds and 1.2 block shots, according to data from CUBA, impressed audiences in dominating fashion, which saw him scoop the most valuable player award after sweeping the CBA all-star weekend earlier in the year.

Shaojie Wang and Tangwen Yuan were part of the China team which placed 14th at the Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy, earlier this month ©FISU
Shaojie Wang and Tangwen Yuan were part of the China team which placed 14th at the Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy, earlier this month ©FISU

He told Chinese news agency Xinhua: "It is a breakthrough, though there's still a huge gap between me and professional players.

"Actually, I don't have a clear target for the new season as I need to hone my defending skills and make sure that I can show good form on the court."

Wang's selection comes amid a coup for collegiate basketball with the top three picks in the CBA Draft all coming from college players.

Sun Siyao from California State University and Tangwen Yuan from Xiamen University followed Wang as second and third picks in the draft.

Yuan was a team mate of Wang's as China finished in 14th position at the Summer Universiade in Naples and bright things appear to be on the horizon for the collegiate stars.