Admitting that he was still in a daze over Bryan's decision to quit, Zhuliang expects his ace diver to return stronger after completing his degree in Sports Science at Universiti Malaya.
Bryan's absence will leave a huge void in the team ahead of next year's Asian Games and Commonwealth Games but Zhuliang is optimistic others in his squad have the quality to replace the former world junior champion.
Zhuliang was instrumental in grooming Bryan into a quality diver, who is feared by many on the world stage. Bryan, a three-time Olympian, has never failed to perform, winning medals in several priority competitions, including the World Cup, World Series, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
The China-born coach was instrumental in guiding Bryan to a gold medal in springboard in the World Junior Championship in Brazil in 2004.
"Edwin Chong (Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia secretary) informed me that Bryan had quit. I am disappointed but not shocked as Bryan had indicated it before.
"He wants something to fall back on and wants to complete his degree," said Zhuliang yesterday.
"Bryan's father was recently very ill and was hospitalised. I believe that made him realise the importance of finishing school for job security.
"Bryan is a diver with enormous talent. At the recent World Series, many coaches and divers had asked me why Bryan was not around and whether he was still training."
Zhuliang said: "In terms of technique, Bryan is one of the best in the world. He has yet to reach his full potential."
"It will be tough to find a local diver of his pedigree. He is irreplaceable but of course we have other local divers, who can reach his level if they train harder," said Zhuliang.
He hopes Bryan will keep his word and return to the diving scene in two years' time.
"It will be just nice actually as the Olympic qualification process starts a year before the Rio Games. I believe if he is serious and returns to training by then, he can win an Olympic medal."
On Bryan's replacements, Zhuliang said: "I am not sure who can fit into his shoes... maybe Ooi Tze Liang or Ahmad Amsyar."
Zhuliang said his divers will return to China for a training stint ahead of the World Championships in Barcelona in July.
"We are waiting for our visa approval but I hope we can head there as early as possible. It is hard to train here due to distractions."
Read more: DIVING: Zhuliang wants Lomas back - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-zhuliang-wants-lomas-back-1.290229#ixzz2gAPAT7Sx
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