The U.S. Women's Basketball team encountered a significant challenge in their FIBA World Cup opener against China, not just from the opposing team but from the sheer physical presence of 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu. The 19-year-old prospect, who has gained attention for her extraordinary height, loomed over every player on the court, standing a full 10 inches taller than the Americans' tallest player, Aliyah Boston.
Caitlin Clark, accustomed to being one of the shorter players, described the experience as unlike any basketball game she had played before. "I've never played against a woman of that size," Clark stated following the U.S.'s 94-61 victory. The immense height difference created unique defensive and offensive matchups, with a video of 6-foot-4 Angel Reese battling for position with Zhang circulating on social media.
Zhang contributed 13 points in the game, with nine coming from the free-throw line, and added six rebounds and two blocks. U.S. players and coaches acknowledged the challenges she presented. "She obviously presented some challenges for us, but you got to give our post players a lot of credit," Clark said. "They really battled and Coach Kara (Lawson) really challenged them before the game to be physical, try to push them out of the paint."
Despite her size advantage, Zhang is still considered raw and developing. Coach Kara Lawson noted that Zhang is "still growing and learning how to play and how to leverage her advantage, which is her size and there’s not much you can do to stop her when she gets it really close to the basket." Zhang is eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft, and if her skills continue to develop, she could become a highly sought-after prospect. She would surpass Margo Dydek (7-foot-2) as the tallest player in WNBA history, significantly taller than the current tallest player, Han Xu (6-foot-11).
Lawson also emphasized the value of Zhang's experience in the World Cup at her young age. "I think to be this young and to be in a World Cup and to go against the top players is only going to help her continue to grow. So I think if she continues to develop, there’s definitely a place for her," Lawson said.
