Video: 7'3" Teenager Zhang Ziyu Makes FIBA Debut for China at U18 Women's Asia Cup
June 25, 2024
7'3" center Zhang Ziyu has dominated throughout the first two games of her international tournament debut.
The 17-year-old has helped China jump out to a 2-0 record in the FIBA Under-18 Women's Asia Cup, towering over her competition in the process.
NextGen Hoops @NextGenHoopsZhang Ziyu is a cheat code π§©<br><br>The 7'3" (220cm) center hardly broke a sweat getting her first buckets for Team China π¨π³<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U18AsiaCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U18AsiaCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Vy9iecmXh">pic.twitter.com/1Vy9iecmXh</a>
In her first appearance on Monday against Indonesia, Zhang scored 19 points in just 13 minutes off the bench while shooting a perfect 9-9 from the field. She also added seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks.
The teenager improved even more against New Zealand on Tuesday, thriving in an expanded role. Zhang dropped 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 23 minutes of action, racking up four blocks. China easily won by the final score of 90-68
FIBA @FIBAZhang Ziyu keeps ππππππππππ the court π±<br><br>The Chinese young sensation puts up 36 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK and 44 EFF against New Zealand π₯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U18AsiaCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U18AsiaCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/AEkPYv4L5l">pic.twitter.com/AEkPYv4L5l</a>
She's still a few years away from a potential WNBA career, as the league requires international athletes to be at least 20 years old during the calendar year in which the draft is held. However, her impressive tournament debut has certainly put her on the radar of front offices and fans alike.
Zhang will attempt to continue her strong start during China's next game, a matchup with Japan on Wednesday.
