SHENZHEN (China) - As hosts, reigning champions, and perennial powerhouses, all eyes will be on China when the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup tips off. Buoyed by their thrilling title run in Sydney two years ago, Team Dragon will aim to defend their crown on home soil. However, the path to gold is far from guaranteed.
With veterans Li Meng and Li Yueru unavailable, teenage phenom Zhang Ziyu looming as a potential debutante, and the pressure of expectations mounting, China enters the tournament with both opportunity and uncertainty.
Here are three key questions that could define their campaign.
1. Han Xu’s Time to Lead
The absence of Li Meng and Li Yueru will leave a significant void in China’s offense. Their collective shot-making, playmaking, and leadership have been instrumental to the team’s success in recent years, including the 2023 title-winning effort, where Meng averaged 14.4 points per game) and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both players combined for 31.4 points per game.
That puts even more weight on the shoulders of 6'10" center Han Xu, who is no stranger to dominating at the continental level. Han’s blend of size, skill, and mobility makes her a mismatch nightmare, but opposing defenses will now key in on her more than ever. Will she have enough support around her to keep China’s offense flowing, or will the burden prove too heavy?
2. Zhang Ziyu’s Breakthrough Moment on the Senior Stage
Without a couple of her seasoned teammates, Han might have to rely on 18-year-old wunderkind Zhang Ziyu. Standing a staggering 7'3", Zhang has already become a viral sensation. Beyond the headlines and highlight reels, though a big question remains: is she ready for the senior national team spotlight?
The Women's Asia Cup would mark her first major international test at this level, and the physicality and pace of the senior game are a world apart from youth competition. If she’s included in the final roster, head coach Gong Luming must find the right moments to unleash her without overwhelming the teenage tower. Whether she plays a key role or gains experience from the bench, Zhang's mere presence will be a major talking point in front of the home crowd.
3. Turning Home Court into Championship Momentum
Home-court advantage can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the support of thousands of passionate fans in Shenzhen should fuel China’s drive. On the other, it amplifies the pressure. With the team aiming for back-to-back titles and a 12th overall Women’s Asia Cup championship, anything less than gold will be seen as a disappointment.
The squad must balance pride with composure, especially in potentially tight games against rivals like Japan, Korea, or Australia. Coach Gong's ability to manage rotations, control momentum, and keep players focused will be crucial if China is to stand tall once again.
China have undeniable talent and imposing size. They will have the home crowd cheerin them on. However, they also have questions to answer. If Han Xu can rise to the challenge, if Zhang Ziyu proves she belongs, and if the team can handle the pressure, then the Great Wall may very well hold strong in 2025.
FIBA