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Zhang Ziyu's rising profile and WNBA interest
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2026-09-11 13:33 UTC → 2026-10-08 13:42 UTC ·
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Zhang Ziyu performance at Women's Basketball World Cup Ziyu's rising profile and WNBA interest
Zhang Ziyu, a 19-year-old Chinese basketball player, has gained international attention during the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Standing player standing between 2.23 and 2.26 meters, she is recognized by FIBA has gained international attention as the tallest player to ever participate in an organizationally sanctioned women’s competition. During China’s opening match against competition according to FIBA. Representing the United States, Zhang recorded 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks Shandong Shangao Basketball Club, her presence at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in approximately 18 minutes of play. Her performance Berlin drew remarks from WNBA star Caitlin Clark and US coach Kara Lawson regarding her size and difficulty to defend near the basket. In Following her performances in Berlin, where she helped China reach the World Cup quarterfinals and secured a subsequent match against Puerto Rico, bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan, Zhang scored 13 points has drawn interest from the WNBA. During a seminar in nine minutes of play. Macau, NBA vice president Dawn Smyth suggested that Zhang will likely play both in China and abroad in the WNBA in the coming years. While Chinese head coach Gong Luming has described Zhang her as ‘a unique talent in a century.’ To assist her development century,’ critics have noted that she relies heavily on close-range shots and requires further improvement in the modern, faster-paced game, mobility. To address this, the Chinese Federation has provided her with a specialized support team, including a physical trainer, kinesiologist, doctor, and nutritionist, with a focus on improving to help her mobility and running speed. adapt to the modern, faster-paced game. Former Chinese Basketball Association president Yao Ming noted that while Zhang is a remarkable talent, China has a ‘long way to go’ in encouraging more female players, emphasizing that fostering genuine interest in the sport is critical for child development.
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- 2026-10-08 13:42 UTC Zhang Ziyu's rising profile and WNBA interest
- 2026-09-11 13:33 UTC Zhang Ziyu performance at Women's Basketball World Cup
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