Team USA will kick off its FIBA World Cup campaign against China on Friday. While plenty of eyes are on the Americans as they look to win their fifth straight World Cup title, China is turning a lot of heads as well, primarily because of one player.
China has Han Xu, who plays for the WNBA’s New York Liberty. Dallas Wings center Li Yueru was supposed to be part of the team as well, but she had to withdraw due to passport issues.
However, the team’s most recognizable player is probably its center, Zhang Ziyu. It’s hard to miss the teenage big, thanks to her towering 7-foot-3 frame.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Zhang has been making headlines since 2024 when she represented China in the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup. Because of her massive frame, there have been high expectations that she will eventually come to the WNBA and become a dominant force.
Now, Zhang will get a taste of what she could face in the WNBA when China plays Team USA. There’s certainly plenty of excitement surrounding the matchup, with many looking forward to seeing how the Americans plan to battle Zhang on the boards.
Angel Reese has often been mentioned in discussions, especially since Team USA is expected to rely on her to dominate the glass in the absence of superstar center A’ja Wilson.
“I’m actually looking forward to seeing how Angel Reese gets rebounds with Zhang Ziyu under the basket,” a commenter wrote.
Another one said about Reese, “This is going to get interesting how she fares against Zhang Ziyu. Because Ziyu is coming to the WNBA next year. This is the girl Angel will be battling for her rebounds records for next 10 years.”
“While it does not look as if Reese is starting, let’s see how Angel Reese rebounds against China’s tall frontcourt, including 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, and manages to not get her shots blocked, in game one,” a poster added.
“I can’t wait to watch it tomorrow. Both Caitlin and Paige side by side will be incredible. Facing them is the towering 2.23m Ziyu Zhang that you’ve all definitely seen, finally taking the stage. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also 2.05m Xu Han. It’s going to be a great game,” a fan stated.
A follower shared, “No team creates the same geometry problem. Han Xu is 2.05m. Zhang Ziyu is 2.2m+. Get the ball inside early and normal help defense suddenly stops looking normal. China can make the game feel very, very small.”
For what it’s worth, Reese stands at 6-foot-4. Team USA’s tallest player is the 6-foot-5 Aliyah Boston.
