A towering presence has arrived in women’s basketball: Zhang Ziyu, a 18-year-old center from Shandong province, is standing at an incredible 2.20–2.26 m (7 ft 3 in–7 ft 5 in) and has already made headlines around the globe, according to multiple reports and league statistics .
Known as the “female Yao Ming,” Zhang led China’s squad at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, averaging 35.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. She exploded for 44 points and 14 rebounds against Japan, shattering tournament records and earning MVP honors.
In her senior international debut on June 13, Zhang dazzled with 19 points and 7 rebounds in just 13 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina. She’s also been a standout at the 2025 WCBA All-Star Game, where she debuted as a professional among seasoned athletes.
Towering talent: At over 7-foot-3, Zhang offers a rare combination of height, skill, and early pro experience—attributes that have drawn comparisons to NBA legend Yao Ming.
Global growth of women’s hoops: As the WNBA and college programs expand worldwide, Zhang could soon compete alongside or against top American players—bringing international attention and possible recruitment.
Descended from basketball lineage, she underscores a new era of female dominance in the sport—not just by height, but by impact.
Zhang is projected to enter the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) full-time in the 2025–26 season.
Scouts from the WNBA and NCAA are expected to monitor her closely. Her combination of size and scoring is increasingly rare among women’s bigs.
As China prepares for stronger international showings, Zhang could be a centerpiece in their senior national team lineup—potentially facing off against top-level U.S. talent in global tournaments.
