Young basketball player, aged 18, makes his first appearance for the Chinese team
Meet Zhang, the 7'3" Chinese Basketball Phenom
Haven't heard of Zhang Ziyu? Prepare to be amazed. At just 17 years old, this prodigious Chinese basketball player is already shaking up the world of women's basketball with her towering 7-foot-3-inch frame – a height that rivals Yao Ming's, the legendary Chinese basketball star[2].
Zhang's emergence in the world of basketball has been meteoric, to say the least. On her debut for China's senior national team, she took on Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 16, leaving an indelible mark with her impressive 16 points and 7 rebounds in just 12 minutes on the court. This spectacular performance led China to a 127:56 victory[1].
Before making waves in the senior ranks, Zhang had already made a name for herself in the youth leagues. At the U-18 Asian Cup, she was named the MVP, averaging an awe-inspiring 35 points, 12.8 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game[1]. It's no wonder she turned heads when she was just 14 years old, with images circulating from a U-15 tournament where she dwarfed her opponents[4].
So, where does her extraordinary height come from? Genetics, of course. Both of Zhang's parents were basketball players, standing tall at 7'0" (213 cm) for her father and 6'6" (198 cm) for her mother[3].
Currently, Zhang plays for the "Beijing" club team and has already graced the Chinese All-Star Game. However, she'll have to wait until she's 20 to make her debut in the WNBA due to international athlete rules[1].
Photos and videos of Zhang have gone viral on social media, with millions watching in awe of her height and playing style[1]. As her standing in the basketball world continues to grow, it's clear that Zhang Ziyu is a force to be reckoned with.
Bonus Insights:- China's head coach sees Zhang Ziyu as a key player for the national team, with an eye towards the 2028 Olympics[1].- Zhang Ziyu has caught the attention of the media and basketball fans for her rare physical attributes combined with her raw talent[2][3].
After shocking the world of basketball with her performance for China's senior national team, Zhang Ziyu continues to captivate audiences with her dominance in sports-analysis, reminiscent of the legendary Yao Ming. As the MVP of the U-18 Asian Cup and a towering presence at 7'3", Zhang's future in sports is certainly one to watch.
