OAKLAND, Calif. -- In a last-ditch effort to rejoin his national team, Wang Zhizhi caught a flight to Oakland today and planned to speak to China's players and coaches during an afternoon practice.

"He realizes he doesn't have very many days left," said Simon Chan, Wang's U.S.-based adviser. "Wang has been waiting for the Chinese Basketball Association to contact him and give him his status, but he hasn't heard anything."

	Wang

Wang, who played for the Dallas Mavericks last season and became the first player from China ever to appear in an NBA game, angered the Chinese federation by refusing to return home in May for national team training. He stayed in Los Angeles instead.

In a letter dated July 26 and published in the China Sports Daily, the federation urged the center to return from the United States.

"Returning to train with the national squad and representing the motherland in international competition is a glorious and sacred duty. Now is precisely the time that your motherland needs you," said the letter, addressed to "Comrade Wang Zhizhi."

Although the letter mentioned no specific punishment, it contained a veiled threat that measures could be taken against him. No penalties will be leveled "as long as you return with all haste," the letter said.

Chan said Wang had been trying to reach the head of the CBA on his office phone and cell phone but was unable to make contact.

China coach Wang Fei declined to comment on Wang's status after a practice Wednesday night, saying it was in the hands of federation officials.

China was scheduled to play in an exhibition against the United States tonight.

Wang has said that he chose to stay in the United States to work on his game against better competition, and he has said he was not optimistic he would be allowed to represent his country.

Wang is listed as an alternate on China's preliminary roster for the World Championships in Indianapolis Aug. 29-Sept. 8.