The Chinese women's national basketball team secured third place in the FIBA Asia Cup after a decisive victory over South Korea on Sunday, with a final score of 101-66. Five Chinese players reached double figures in scoring, including 18-year-old center Zhang Ziyu, who contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. The team established a significant lead early on, dominating the first two quarters and maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the game.
Head coach Gong Luming viewed the third-place finish as a learning experience, emphasizing the importance of the lessons gained for future development. He acknowledged areas needing improvement, such as passing, shooting, and tactical awareness. Gong considered the tournament a "small test" in preparation for the 2028 Olympics, highlighting Zhang Ziyu's potential.
Zhang, standing at 2.26 meters, was praised for her court vision and passing skills. Gong also pointed out areas for improvement, including her strength in the paint and defensive coverage. Star guard Yang Shuyu echoed the coach's sentiments, expressing a sense of regret despite the team's efforts. The team's bronze medal finish marked the fourth time they have placed third since their first participation in the Asia Cup in 1976.
Yang emphasized the need to address defensive weaknesses and credited teamwork for her success. She described the tournament as a "starting point," highlighting the need for adaptability and the potential of combining speed with Zhang's presence. The win followed a semifinal loss to Japan.
Following the defeat to Japan, Gong noted defensive inconsistencies. Yang's sister and teammate, Yang Liwei, emphasized the importance of the experience gained. Gong's training regimen, including a "10,000 shots" program, laid the groundwork for the team's offensive capabilities.
Zhang's emergence as a promising talent anchors China's future. Gong plans to gradually integrate her into faster systems, emphasizing a measured approach to her development. He acknowledged areas for improvement, including passing, tactical discipline, and interior-exterior coordination. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Gong stressed continuity in training and dedication.
The 2025 FIBA Asia Cup showcased both the team's strengths and areas for improvement. The team had a successful group stage, winning all three matches and advancing directly to the semifinals. Gong experimented with different lineups and tactical plays, including the "twin-tower" combination of Zhang and Han Xu. Zhang was a standout player, averaging 14.3 points with a high shooting percentage.
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