BEIJING (China) - Zhang Yizhaojie believes his team will be extra motivated coming into the 2026 edition of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. And that stems from a big win at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025.
China broke through last summer on the continental stage by knocking off New Zealand in the Semi-Finals 86-72 to reach the U16 Asia Cup Final for the first time since 2017. It was also China's first victory over New Zealand since they and Australia joined the Asian competition in 2017.
"It proves our strength and resilience, and demonstrates the team's fighting spirit - staying calm under pressure and daring to battle through tough matches," said Zhang, who collected 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the historic victory in Mongolia.
The U16 continental winners in the first three competitions in 2009, 2011 and 2013, China lost to New Zealand in the 2023 Semi-Finals and were hungry to win. Zhang and co. would eventually lose to Australia 85-58 in the Final as the Oceanians won the event for a fourth straight time.
Zhang ended up averaging 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.7 steals to earn a spot on the All-Star Five, alongside his compatriot Zhang Ziyi.
Both Yizhaojie and Zhang Ziyi - who are not related - were playing a year younger as 2010-born players in the 2009-born competition. Three of their teammates - Lv Feiyan, Yang Zimo and Zhao Boxin - who were also from China’s 2010 generation.
Yizhaojie plays with the Shanghai Jiushi Club in his homeland and he gained another valuable experience ahead of the U17 World Cup when China played at the 2026 Albert Schweitzer Tournament in April in Germany.
The forward averaged 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists at the U18 event. China finished 11th of 12 teams as they were using the competition as a preparation for the U17 World Cup as they sent a squad made up only of 2009 and 2010 born players.
Zhang feels he has improved since the U16 Asia Cup.
"My mindset has matured; my ability to handle pressure on the court; read the game; and handle clutch plays has improved significantly," he said.
The losses last summer and in Mannheim also helped Zhang continue to build his mental strength.
"Long-term, systematic training and the experience gained from competing in major tournaments have honed my resilience and instilled a competitive spirit that refuses to accept defeat," he said. "Losing high-intensity, hard-fought games has taught me to face my shortcomings head-on and persevere through adversity."
Now comes the global level in Istanbul, where China took seventh place in 2010, 2012 and 2014 but have not finished better than 10th in the following three appearances.
"It is both an honor and a responsibility," Zhang said about playing in the U17 World Cup. "I am immensely proud to play for my country and will give it my all to leave no regrets."
Zhang and co. have been draw into Group B alongside Cameroon, Canada, and Lithuania.
"Our opponents have distinct playing styles and are all strong teams. We will thoroughly analyze each squad, stay focused on our own game and give it our all," he said.
"My mindset has matured."
When asked what he would consider a personal success in Türkiye, Zhang said: "Giving it my all to perform at my best, constantly pushing my limits, and delivering my absolute best on the field."
And what about for the Chinese national team?
"The entire team working together in unity, playing with our signature style and spirit, striving for the best possible results, and bringing honor to our country."
Just like they did last summer with the win over New Zealand.
FIBA