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Stephy Zhang

China’s teenage centre Zhang Ziyu sparked a social media frenzy after making her Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup debut against the United States in Berlin on Friday.
Viral images and clips of the 2.2-metre (7-foot-3) 19-year-old towering over WNBA superstars dominated online commentary, drawing praise from US stars while exposing deep tactical divisions among Chinese fans.
In her 18 minutes off the bench, Zhang presented an unprecedented physical presence, recording a team-high 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks while making nine of 10 free throws, but the Americans still secured a 94-61 victory in their Group D opener at the Max-Schmeling-Halle arena.
Standing more than 25 centimetres (10 inches) taller than the tallest American player, Aliyah Boston, photos of Zhang alongside WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers quickly went viral worldwide, with fans joking that the match-up resembled “adults playing against children”.
Among the game’s most celebrated post-match moments was a lighthearted interaction between Zhang and Dallas Wings guard Bueckers.
Smiling widely, the 1.83-metre Bueckers walked up to Zhang and used her hand to gauge the 40cm height gap between them. Zhang responded warmly by leaning down slightly, though she still towered over Bueckers by more than half a head.

Fiba’s official social media accounts later reposted the photograph, calling it an “iconic moment”.
The physical disparity forced Team USA to adjust their usual attacking strategy, relying on high-pressure perimeter defence and fast-break transition play to counter Zhang’s size.
“This was a different type of basketball game than I’ve probably ever played in my entire life,” US guard Clark said after recording 14 points and 11 assists. “I’ve never played against a woman of that size. She obviously presented some challenges for us, but you’ve got to give our post players a lot of credit.”
US head coach Kara Lawson acknowledged the teenager’s raw potential, noting that her physical advantage was nearly unguardable near the rim.
“She’s a wonderful player, and you see how young she is,” Lawson said. “She’s still growing and learning how to play and how to leverage her advantage … If she continues to develop, there’s definitely a place for her.”
While international social media marvelled at her stature, Chinese sports platforms erupted into an intense debate regarding her fit in the modern game and her long-term development.
Critical commentators pointed to her limited mobility, stamina and vertical leap, arguing that modern basketball favoured speed and perimeter shooting over traditional static centres.
“Basketball has updated through three eras, but we are still looking for Yao Ming,” one widely shared comment on Douyin read. Another popular comment summarised the clash of styles as “classical basketball versus modern basketball”, warning that forcing teammates to cover her defensive mobility gaps would exhaust the squad against elite opposition.
However, many fans and analysts urged patience, defending the teenager against premature scrutiny in her first major international tournament.
“She is only 19. Taking lessons against top WNBA players is completely normal,” a Weibo user wrote, adding that rushing her to overseas leagues such as the WNBA without adequate physical preparation could risk career-threatening injuries, given her heavy frame.

China head coach Gong Luming offered a balanced assessment of her World Cup debut, describing her performance as a “passing grade” under intense physical pressure.
“For her first time taking part in a tournament of this scale against the world’s strongest team with fierce physical contact, this was a passing grade,” Gong said, noting that China’s overall team mindset and defensive firmness were suboptimal.
“We hope she carefully reflects on this experience and finds ways to keep improving.”
China will look to regroup before facing their second Group D opponent, the Czech Republic, on Sunday.


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Fiba (International Basketball Federation)

‘Adults playing against children’: China’s Zhang Ziyu is a towering presence on World Cup debut

Chinese centre Zhang Ziyu tries to block US small forward Napheesa Collier during their World Cup group D match at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin on Friday. Photo: AFP

US guard Paige Bueckers and Zhang Ziyu shared a moment after their match. Photo: AP

Coach Gong Luming described Zhang’s performance as a “passing grade”. Photo: AFP

Teen spectator in VIP seat hauled out of arena after hurling basketball at China players

China’s Yang Hansen (centre) competes for the ball with Lebanon’s DJ Funderburk (right) and Omar Jamaleddine during their Fiba World Cup qualifier on Monday. Photo: AFP

Yang Hansen (centre) defends against Lebanon’s Sergio El Darwich, with DJ Funderburk on the right. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Wang Junjie (centre) praised Yang Hansen for his performance. Photo: AFP

Play-off win by Hong Kong Bulls no guarantee of Chinese Basketball Association league spot

Hong Kong Bulls celebrate winning their final match against Changsha in the 2025 National Basketball League. Photo: Xinhua

Leo Sun Xinwei, general manager of the Hong Kong Bulls. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong Bulls’ new signing, Hong Kong international Glen Yang, training with the team. Photo: Handout

Sport

Basketball

China

The 19-year-old centre holds her own against WNBA stars with team-high 13 points, shares ‘iconic moment’ with Paige Bueckers after the match


The 19-year-old centre holds her own against WNBA stars with team-high 13 points, shares ‘iconic moment’ with Paige Bueckers after the match.


Zhang Ziyu

Gong Luming

‘Adults playing against children’: China’s Zhang Ziyu is a towering presence on World Cup debut

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 19-year-old centre holds her own against WNBA stars with team-high 13 points, shares ‘iconic moment’ with Paige Bueckers after the match

The 19-year-old centre holds her own against WNBA stars with team-high 13 points, shares ‘iconic moment’ with Paige Bueckers after the match