ZARAGOZA (2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship) - For the first time since the inception of the FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship, China are relishing the prospect of a Quarter-Final tie at the event.

Back in 2010, they managed to jump onto the last step of the podium and are just two wins away from doing that again in Zaragoza. With captain Jiaqi Wang leading by example, it has also been Xu Han who has made people sit up and notice of their efforts.

The towering center is one of the tallest players to have ever participated in the competition and she is becoming instantly recognisable not only because of her physical stature, but also her numbers – she is currently averaging 14.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

I need to go on working hard and I hope I could make it to the senior national team in the coming years. That offers me more exposure and it would be great for an opportunity of one day joining the WNBA - the best women's basketball league in the world. - Han

Those performances have her dreaming of one day making it to the very highest level, although she has been quick to ensure the limelight is shared with her colleagues.

"We achieved a great result against Latvia [in the Round of 16] and kudos to all my team-mates for their determination," stated Han.

"I am part of a team made up of 12 players and each has a specific skill which is useful to us both on and off the court. On my side, I am aware of my responsibility as the 'big' and know I have to perform well in the paint. My efficiency in rebounding and blocking is important, while succeeding in scoring is always good for me and for the group.

"I need to go on working hard and I hope I could make it to the senior national team in the coming years. That offers me more exposure and it would be great for an opportunity of one day joining the WNBA - the best women's basketball league in the world."

Han was as thrilled with the win against Latvia but China don't have any set ambitions in Zaragoza according to Coach Li

Han has a big fan in the shape of China head coach, Jianxin Li. Although he also pointed out that she is not yet the finished product.

"We are taking a great advantage from Han’s height," said the play-caller.

"She is the tallest player on our team and is doing well under the basket. However, we still need to work with her in order to improve her physically and that’s very important for her future career."

Meanwhile as China fly the flag for Asia in the Quarter-Finals, Li is not getting too excited - even after a tremendous win against Latvia.

"I feel very happy and we played very well as a team, so I would like to congratulate my players who respected our game plan," he said. "Our opponents were good at fast breaking, but we had a very good defense during the second and third quarters and it was enough for us to advance to the next phase.

"But we have not been thinking about our ranking in this tournament as we came here to enjoy it and being able to finish at least eighth, is a good place for us.

"The Quarter-Final against Spain will be a tough game as their fans will be cheering for them. We just have to play team basketball and look at the board when the game is finished," concluded Li.

FIBA