Chinese basketball prospect Cao Xichen stands at 220 cm tall at just 14 years old and has already begun executing slam dunks in competitive play, drawing immediate comparisons to senior national team center Zhang Ziyu, according to reports from Sina Sports. Born in 2012, Cao initially competed as a middle blocker for the Tianjin youth women’s volleyball team before experiencing a growth spurt exceeding 15 cm throughout 2025, prompting her transition to basketball.
From Volleyball Middle Blocker to Basketball Center
Cao’s athletic journey shifted dramatically over the past year. After standing out on the volleyball court in Tianjin, her rapid vertical growth led coaches to steer her toward basketball. Despite playing organized basketball for only one year, her physical measurements have created widespread attention across domestic leagues. Sina Sports reported that Cao’s wingspan measures 227 cm, giving her an extraordinary defensive reach.
Her family background heavily influences her athletic profile. Her father, Cao Yurong, stands at 201 cm and previously played professionally for the Beijing Olympians, while her mother, Du Yuan, stands at 191 cm and served as a center in women’s basketball.
Comparing Cao Xichen and Zhang Ziyu
The emergence of Cao has naturally invited comparisons to Zhang Ziyu, the towering 19-year-old center who recently represented the Chinese women’s national basketball team at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, including a matchup against South Korea. Zhang holds a height of 223 cm and a wingspan of 235 cm, making her slightly taller and longer than Cao by 3 cm and 8 cm respectively.
Public comparisons intensified during the 2026 Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) All-Star event, where legendary Chinese center Zheng Haixia stood alongside younger prospects. Even with Zheng measuring 206 cm, she appeared roughly a head shorter than Cao during public appearances.
Early Statistics and Developmental Challenges
During her recent debut in the national Under-14 basketball league, Cao recorded 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. Across six games in the tournament, she averaged 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per contest.
Despite her dominant measurements, scouting assessments highlight clear areas for technical refinement. At 220 cm, Cao weighs approximately 90 kg, leaving her with a slender frame that requires physical conditioning. Additionally, her free-throw shooting percentage sits at 40 percent, highlighting the fundamental skills her coaching staff must develop as she matures.
Projected Timeline and International Outlook
Sina Sports indicated that Cao is a strong candidate to earn selection for the Chinese youth national team ahead of the FIBA Under-16 Women’s Asian Cup scheduled for 2027. National team selectors are monitoring her development closely as she adjusts to the tactical demands of competitive basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cao Xichen
What position did Cao Xichen originally play before switching to basketball? Cao initially competed as a middle blocker for the Tianjin youth women’s volleyball team before transitioning to basketball in 2025.
What are Cao Xichen’s exact height and wingspan measurements? According to Sina Sports, she stands 220 cm tall with a wingspan of 227 cm.
What were Cao Xichen’s averages in the national Under-14 basketball league? She posted averages of 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocked shots across six games in the tournament.
When could Cao Xichen make her international youth debut? Media reports project that she could be selected for the Chinese Under-16 national team ahead of the Asian Cup in 2027.
