China's women's basketball team launched their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign with a resounding 110-59 victory over Indonesia on Sunday, showcasing depth as all 12 squad members contributed points. The defending champions overcame early adjustments to deliver a masterclass in teamwork and strategy at Shenzhen's tournament opener.
New Stars Shine Bright
Eighteen-year-old phenom Zhang Ziyu stole the spotlight in her senior national team debut, using her 226cm frame to dominate both ends of the court. The FIBA U18 MVP logged 13 points and 4 rebounds in under 12 minutes, signaling China's successful youth development pipeline. Veteran center Han Xu anchored the defense with 12 points and 6 rebounds, while guard Yang Shuyu energized third-quarter plays with aggressive drives to the basket.
Strategic Preparation Pays Off
Head coach Gong Luming's experimental 28-player training camp and pre-tournament warm-up games against regional powerhouses like Japan and Australia proved crucial. Despite missing WNBA star Li Yueru and injured guard Li Meng, China's revamped roster demonstrated adaptability, with seven players scoring double digits. "We're focusing on building chemistry and testing combinations," Gong noted post-game, emphasizing long-term development over immediate results.
Regional Implications
The victory reinforces China's position as Asia's basketball powerhouse while highlighting Indonesia's growing participation in regional competitions. With this win, China tops Group A ahead of critical matches against New Zealand and South Korea. The tournament serves as qualifier for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, keeping investors and sports analysts watching for emerging market opportunities in Asia's rapidly developing sports industry.
