You have to hand it to China in these past years, because the conveyor belt of talent has been whirring loudly and producing some absolutely fantastic players and prospects. (Photo – FIBA.com)
Going back to when the last Olympics took place in Rio 2016, I was in Zaragoza, Spain for the U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup and watching the likes of Xu Han making her global debut.
Even before that, I had already written a piece here at BlueStar Media about her and her frontcourt sidekick Yueru Li, another super young player.
Then fast forward less than one Olympic cycle and what happens? We are now talking about how Mingling Chen could be a bonafide option for the Third Round of the 2020 WNBA Draft. We saw her play well in Bangkok at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup last year.
When you put this trio (all aged under 21) alongside more experienced forwards such as Ting Shao who would be 33 years old in the French capital and the rock solid Sijing Huang who would be 27 years old, you have to think China will have one of the best frontcourts on the globe.
In fact, you can even make a case that China could benefit most from the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, because all their young stars will have that extra year of growth. And, if they play like they did back in February at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in Belgrade, they need to truly target a podium spot.
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That would also make them a big threat at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney during 2022. China are team which are probably growing like no other on the international stage right now. Their spread of minutes and contributions is superb and it makes them a nightmare to play against because coaches cant’ lock down 1 or 2 star players.
With teenager Yuan Li one of the most exciting guards in the global game, they crucially have someone to feed this excellent looking frontcourt.
By the time Paris comes and Xu Han and Yueru Li are 24/25 years old, they could and probably will be unstoppable.
If you discount my title as being sensationalist, then I understand. But seriously, I would need you (probably outside of USA) to tell me about a better frontcourt. Maybe France will have one, with Gruda, Miyem (swansongs) Charereau and Rupert for example.
But China will be up there. Believe me.
Hving dominated Asia back in the day before bowing to fierce rivals Japan during the past 5-6 years, China are back in the global mix and I can’t wait to see if their long list of frontcourt options will continue to grow, develop and even dominate.
Especially if Han continues in the WNBA and is joined by Li and even Chen.
Keep it locked to @Basketmedia365
