BANGKOK (FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women 2016) - China are the undisputed top team in Group I of the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women 2016. They are at the very summit of the team standings with an immaculate 5-win, 0-loss card thanks in large part to huge wins against East Asia rivals Korea and Japan. Coach Cong Xuedi’s squad have also been able to blow out overmatched sides India, Thailand and Chinese Taipei. It was a veritable and emphatic sweep for the Chinese as they advance to the next round.

At the forefront of China’s indomitable drive has been their top center, Han Xu. Standing 2.05m, Xu is impossible to miss on the hardwood, and her sublime game is even more difficult to ignore. After five days of play, Xu has averaged 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game while also making nearly 75% of his field goal attempts.

She is, however, quick to deflect any praise going her way. Instead, she credits China’s success to the entire team.

"Our team have good cohesion, good team work and good execution," she said after beating Japan. "We can use our height and make a good connections from the inside and outside."

That is true, of course, but it is also undeniable that Xu has been the lynchpin of China's seemingly unbeatable machinery. With her imposing size and talent, it is no surprise that much of the attention both from the media and from the opponents has been targeted at her.

“More people are focusing on me and more pressure is given to me,” she admits. “But I will put all my concentration on the court and do my best help our team.”

It’s remarkable that, despite her stature as China’s main option, Xu remains humble and aware that, just like her teammates, she is just playing a role for the team.

“Everyone one is important on our team,” she emphasizes. “We all have our roles and positions in the team.”

Without a doubt, Xu’s immediate goal is to help China retain the FIBA Asia U18 Women’s title, and, by all indications, they are well on their way to meeting that objective. Afterwards, though, the sky is the limit for someone with Xu’s natural gifts and innate basketball talent. The big lady has big dreams, and she is resolved to passionately pursue them.

“My goal is helping Chinese team to get good results,” she explains. “If possible, I wish I can play in the WNBA or in Europe in the future to continue improving myself and to continue helping my country.”

FIBA