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Mike Chan

Japan will be the latest team to get a close look at China women’s teenage basketball sensation Zhang Ziyu, who was labelled “the best player I have ever seen” by one overawed opponent last weekend.
Ranked fourth and ninth in the world respectively, China and Japan clash in a friendly in Xian on Wednesday as part of their preparations for next month’s Fiba Asia Cup.
Zhang made her senior team debut in a warm-up match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Friday, and played in a second encounter on Sunday.
The 7ft 5in (2.26-metre) centre chipped in 34 points and 14 rebounds in just over 27 minutes across the two matches.
She had a team-high 18 points and seven boards in 12 minutes as the hosts won the first encounter 101-55, and two days later the 18-year-old was instrumental in a 124-57 thrashing, scoring 16 points and adding seven rebounds.

Zhang Ziyu is now 18 and just made her senior national team debut for China
She’s up to 7’5”pic.twitter.com/4MiGADUkml
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 16, 2025

Despite being limited by new head coach Gong Luming to 15 minutes per match, Zhang’s dominance, especially in the paint, hardly went unnoticed.
“She’s the best player I have ever seen, playing a leading role in the Chinese women’s team,” Emir Halimic, head coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said. “Her presence dictates the game’s tempo, and I look forward to her being more successful with China.
“Even without Zhang, China is still a very strong team, and with Zhang, they’re greatly reinforced. It’s not only us; any team in the world would be in trouble against Zhang and China. I hope she stays healthy and can bring [her country] more glory.”
With Zhang on the court, her ability to protect the rim and restrain her defenders on the offensive end was obvious.
Born in Jinan on May 1, 2007, the MVP from last year’s Fiba Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup often attracted multiple defenders when calling for the ball inside the paint, leaving her teammates wide open.
Guard Yang Shuyu led the team with 22 points on Sunday, connecting five of her 11 long-range shots.
With her listed height just three centimetres shy of former Houston Rockets star centre Yao Ming, Chinese social media users labelled Zhang as the “New moving Great Wall” while also praising her offensive ability and agility around the rim.
“I guess the opponents were confused. How could they defend against such height?” one commentator said.
Said another Weibo user: “She’s like a natural barrier and they really can’t do anything to her.”
Other comments said Zhang was “born for basketball” and suggested the Shandong native, if properly developed, could become the most dominant centre in the history of Chinese women’s basketball and could be the world’s top centre in the future.
China’s coach Gong said he expected Zhang to be a key player by the time the Los Angeles Olympics came around in 2028.
Reigning champions and 12-time winners China are in Group A alongside New Zealand, South Korea and Indonesia in the eight-team Asia Cup, which takes place at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre from July 13 to 20. Japan, Australia, the Philippines and Lebanon are in Group B.


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FIBA (International Basketball Federation)

China basketball teen sensation Zhang Ziyu ‘best player I’ve ever seen’, coach says

Zhang Ziyu in action for China during last year’s Fiba Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen. Photo: Xinhua

Finding next Lionel Messi the goal for Hong Kong teen on Manchester United visit

The six winners, including Sam Lo (third from left) and Jacky Cheung (far right), with Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; Bryan Robson; Christopher O’Brien, the Manchester United Soccer Schools Hong Kong head coach; and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ vice-chairman Jason Lee with the six outstanding leaders. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hong Kong youngsters are set to watch Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United in action. Photo: Reuters

Indian football supporter feels threatened after video post on Hong Kong fans’ actions

An Indian-born football fan named Yaga says she was surprised by the reaction after she posted a video about her experience at Hong Kong’s match against India. Photo: YouTube

Hong Kong players celebrate with fans after their 1-0 win over India. Photo: Sam Tsang

Local fans at Kai Tak Stadium for the Asian Cup Group C qualifier. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sport

Basketball

China

Zhang Ziyu makes senior team debut in blowout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Japan up next on Wednesday


Zhang Ziyu makes senior team debut in blowout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Japan up next on Wednesday.


CBA (Chinese Basketball Association)

China basketball teen sensation Zhang Ziyu ‘best player I’ve ever seen’, coach says

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Zhang Ziyu makes senior team debut in blowout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Japan up next on Wednesday

Zhang Ziyu makes senior team debut in blowout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Japan up next on Wednesday