Zhang Ziyu: WNBA eyes 7-foot-3 prodigy aiming to inspire China's next generation

The women's basketball world is keeping close tabs on Zhang Ziyu, the 19-year-old sensation who has already become the tallest player in the sport's history, even catching the eye of Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming.

During a clinic held in Macau for kids aged 11 to 14, the 19-year-old center sparked immense excitement, with dozens of participants rushing to grab autographs and photos. The event took place around the NBA preseason showcase between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

"Basketball has given me so many different experiences ever since I was little," shared the standout, who in September helped China reach the World Cup quarterfinals—earning a nomination for the tournament's MVP award—alongside winning bronze at the Asian Games in Japan.

While she has faced criticism over her mobility, speed, and reliance on ground-bound finishes near the rim, the teenager is unbothered when discussing her main asset: "It is crucial from the very beginning to identify what gives you an edge. My advantage, obviously, is my height." Born to basketball-playing parents—her mother was a Chinese international—Zhang noted that she has followed professional training regimens since the age of seven.

However, Zhang Ziyu's journey is an outlier, according to NBA icon Yao Ming, who served as president of the Chinese Basketball Association from 2017 to 2024. Asked by news agency Lusa about the reluctance among many Chinese parents to let their children pursue sports—a challenge highlighted by several youngsters at the clinic—the former center called for a shift in mindset. "I'm a parent too. I have a daughter. You have to look at this from the perspective of a coach, a basketball executive, and a parent," Yao explained, emphasizing the sport's massive reach across the country. "First and foremost, basketball is the most popular sport in China among both boys and girls. We have immense potential and tremendous talent."

Even so, the former executive acknowledged the persistent hurdles: "In my view, genuine interest is the primary factor in any child's development. If basketball truly captures their passion, then we must support them. We have to find the best way to help them reach their ceiling. There's still a long way to go, and we're going to need substantial resources."

That cultural hurdle was also addressed by DeVonne Iao, Senior Vice President at Sands China, who pointed out that "Chinese parents usually focus solely on academic achievements," noting she moved to the United States at age 12 to study: "I didn't have the chance to try out different things like you all do."

Zhang's talent and towering presence haven't gone unnoticed internationally. Dawn Smyth, Vice President at the NBA, envisions a bright future ahead: "You're going to see her playing for many years to come, both here and likely overseas in the WNBA."