California men's basketball head coach Mike Montgomery announced Friday that junior center Max Zhang is not enrolled in school for the fall semester. Zhang played for the Chinese National team earlier this summer in the FIBA World Championships, and he will compete with Team China in the Asian Games in November, which he believes will be his best opportunity to further his progress to make the Chinese Olympic team. The Golden Bears are hoping Zhang will return to the team in the Spring.

"This was something Max couldn't afford to pass up, and we understand that," Montgomery said. "This has always been a lifelong dream of his, and we're wishing him the best of luck."

A native of Yantai City, China, Zhang averaged 3.1 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game and boasted 37 blocks last season.

California junior center Max Zhang scored four points in 21 minutes of work for Team China Thursday at the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey. Zhang's efforts were not enough to help China gain the victory, as Turkey won, 87-40. China fell to 1-4 with one game remaining against Lithuania on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Zhang shot 2-for-4 from the field, collected two rebounds, three blocked shots, a steal and an assist. This was Zhang's first performance of the tournament.