At 2.23 meters tall, Chinese women’s basketball center Zhang Ziyu stands as one of the most unique attractions at the ongoing World Cup in Berlin, drawing inevitable comparisons to legendary compatriota Yao Ming while balancing elite athletic demands with a quiet passion for crochet, according to reports by international sports agencies.
Standing just one centimeter shorter than NBA standout Victor Wembanyama, the 19-year-old native of Shandong is making her first major senior international appearance. Zhang burst onto the global basketball radar two years ago by dominating the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, where she averaged 35 points and 12 rebounds per tournament game and earned MVP honors.
Following her dominant junior career, Zhang debuted at the senior World Cup with a 13-point, six-rebound performance in 18 minutes against a United States roster featuring WNBA stars. Though the United States secured a 94-61 victory, American star Caitlin Clark praised the young center’s impact after the whistle. “Nunca me había enfrentado a una jugadora de este tamaño y está claro que nos causó problemas,” Clark said, noting that Zhang remains in a developmental stage while learning to maximize her towering frame near the basket.
Managing a Unique Profile on the International Stage
Coaching staff for the Chinese national team have managed Zhang’s minutes carefully to protect her from physical play and help her adapt to the pace of senior-level competition. She played 11 minutes against the Czech Republic, scoring three points, and logged eight minutes against Italy, adding eight points.
To support her transition, the Chinese federation assigned a dedicated strength coach, medical staff, and nutritionists to her training regimen. Head coach Luming Gong emphasized the physical demands of modern basketball in a documentary produced by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). “Más allá de su altura, tiene que progresar rápidamente en movilidad y técnica si quiere seguir el ritmo en el baloncesto moderno,” Gong said, pointing out that transition speed and defensive recovery remain top priorities. Teammate Han Xu echoed those sentiments, noting that Zhang is still young and learning how to approach the game with increased aggression.
Life Beyond the Court
Away from the hardwood, Zhang maintains a steady routine of crochet and spends time with friends to unwind from the intense spotlight that accompanies her height. She acknowledges that casual observers often misinterpret her demeanor based strictly on her physical stature.
“A los ojos de mucha gente solo parezco muy alta, y seguramente piensan que soy una persona dura. Pero sinceramente, soy solo una chica joven. A veces todavía puedo ser muy infantil,” Zhang said, adding that her dedication to basketball leaves little room for standard teenage social schedules. “Sé que los jóvenes de mi edad salen y se divierten, pero eso no me supone ningún problema porque a mí lo que me gusta de verdad el baloncesto.”
Next Steps in Berlin
Following group play that included a loss to the United States and victories over the Czech Republic and Italy, China advanced to the tournament’s repechage round against Puerto Rico. A victory in that matchup would send China through to face France in the quarterfinals.
Worth a look
