A Towering Talent
Zhang Ziyu, a 19‑year‑old Chinese basketball player who measures 223 cm, has become one of the tallest athletes ever to step onto a professional court, eclipsing even NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
During the Women’s World Cup, she logged just over ten minutes of play, contributing three points as China edged the Czech Republic 74‑70 in an overtime thriller.
Earlier in the tournament, China faced the United States and fell 94‑61, a loss that drew comment from American star Caitlin Clark, who noted that Zhang’s size presented a unique challenge for her team.
Clark described Zhang as a “wonderful player,” emphasizing that at such a young age she is still growing and learning how to harness her height advantage.
Han Xu, a teammate, said off the court that Zhang is “just a little girl,” yet praised her ability to finish at the rim and protect the paint, highlighting her talent beyond her stature.
Two years earlier, Zhang was crowned MVP at the U18 Women’s Asia Cup, a testament to her early international prominence and the high expectations placed on her.
Her remarkable height and recent performances have turned her into a viral sensation online, prompting teammates and analysts to express cautious optimism about her future while stressing the importance of steady development.
Coaches and observers agree that her continued growth will depend on refining her on‑court skills and building confidence, especially as she aims to translate her collegiate success into a career in the WNBA.