China’s women’s basketball team concluded their 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 101-66 win over South Korea, securing the bronze medal.
While a podium finish marked a promising start to their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic preparations, the tournament offered a reality check in the form of a semifinal loss to Japan that exposed critical tactical weaknesses.
The much-hyped “Twin Towers” combination of 2.26-meter rising star Zhang Ziyu and 2.11-meter veteran Han Xu had dominated in the group stages, overwhelming opponents with sheer size.
However, their physical advantage proved ineffective against Japan’s high-tempo, perimeter-driven gameplay. Led by young guard Kokoro Tanaka, Japan’s relentless three-point shooting blitz—particularly in the opening quarter—left China’s defense struggling to respond.
This defeat underscored the need for China’s frontcourt-heavy strategy to evolve in the face of faster, guard-oriented teams. Head coach Gong Luming acknowledged the challenge and stressed the importance of developing strategies to counter agile offenses.
Despite the setback, he remained committed to the team’s broader vision leading up to the 2028 Olympics, indicating there would be no major overhaul of their development plan.
For Zhang Ziyu, the tournament marked a significant milestone in her young career. Averaging 15.6 points per game, the 18-year-old showcased her scoring potential but also revealed areas needing refinement, including lateral mobility and team coordination.
Coach Gong emphasized patience in her development, pointing out that her path to elite performance will take time and experience.
Meanwhile, the tournament was emotionally charged for Han Xu, who expressed disappointment in the team’s performance and revealed plans to pursue an overseas stint to further her career.
Veteran player Huang Sijing also brought her international journey to a close, reflecting proudly on her ten years with the national team and acknowledging the transition the squad is currently undergoing.
Despite falling short of the championship, China’s third-place finish and the lessons learned along the way represent a crucial step forward.
The team gained not just a medal, but also deeper insight into the adjustments needed to reclaim their dominance on the Asian stage. The 2025 campaign, while mixed in results, has laid a foundational path for growth ahead of the Olympic cycle.