NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2002 – Wang Zhizhi of the Dallas Mavericks will be honored with a set of legal tender stamps that will be unveiled for the first time at a special event at the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on January 3, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. ET, it was announced today by the National Basketball Association, BDA Sports Management and the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation (IGPC).

"It is indeed a great honor," said Wang. "Not everyone is privileged to have a stamp made for them."

These two stamps will honor Wang.
See the Wang photo gallery
This tribute to Wang, China's first NBA player, is part of the Legends of Sports postage stamp series issued by the government of Liberia and produced by IGPC, the world's largest postal agency that represents more than 70 governments worldwide. In recognition of his contributions to the sport of basketball and as China's first NBA player, he will be immortalized on a commemorative series of postage stamps that are legal tender and valid for postage globally. Liberia has a long tradition of issuing postage stamps to honor the achievements of major international athletes such as Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Pele, Joe Frazier, Floyd Patterson and George Foreman.

Wang, one of China's all-time greatest basketball players, became the first player from China to play in the NBA when he joined the Dallas Mavericks in April 2001. He was selected by the Mavericks in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft with the 36th pick. Wang earned the attention of the basketball world with excellent performances in the 2000 and 1996 Olympic Games. In his first NBA season, he averaged 4.8 points, 1.4 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game and scored a total of 24 points in five games. Wang is one of 51 international players from 30 countries and territories in the NBA.

"The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of the Government of Liberia is excited by this unique stamp tribute to celebrate humanity and to highlight the achievement of great athletes across the globe," said Yossi Malamud, the IGPC representative for the government of Liberia.

The stamps will be available for sale across Liberia where postage stamps are sold and through stamp dealers and traders around the world starting January 3, 2002.

IGPC, is the world's largest postal agency, representing 70 governments worldwide, assisting these nations in the administration of their postal agencies, postage stamp design, production and worldwide distribution, thus creating unique annual postal programs for its client nations. As the leader of the postal industry, IGPC is proud to have been the first to honor famed icons such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jordan as well as, many other famous athletes, entertainers, scientists and authors on legal tender.

BDA Sports Management represents over 50 professional basketball players both in the NBA and overseas. With a dedication to integrity, quality, creativity and commitment, BDA Sports Management has established itself as one of the most respected and successful agencies in the sports management industry.

The NBA Store features the world's most comprehensive assortment of NBA and WNBA merchandise ranging from personalized jerseys to the latest in team fashion wear. The NBA Store also has multimedia attractions, a café and regularly scheduled appearances by NBA and WNBA players, and has hosted various free concerts and other special events.