When a clip of 17-year-old Zhang Ziyu playing basketball went viral in April 2025, the internet—and the basketball world—took notice. Towering at 7 feet 3 inches, Zhang moved across the court with an ease and grace that seemed impossible for someone her size. She snatched rebounds, hit fadeaways, and blocked shots like a seasoned pro. Instantly, people began comparing her to basketball icons like Yao Ming and Victor Wembanyama. But Zhang Ziyu is writing her own story—one that’s only just beginning.
A Head Start: Early Life and Training
Zhang Ziyu was born on May 1, 2007, in Jinan, a city in eastern China’s Shandong Province. Her future in basketball was practically written at birth—both her parents were professional players. By the time she started elementary school, Zhang was already much taller than her classmates, standing 5 feet tall in first grade. By the time she hit sixth grade, she had shot up to 6 feet.
Her basketball journey began early, and she trained through some of China’s most competitive youth programs. Coaches at Wenhua East Road Primary School quickly saw her potential, moving her into advanced drills. Later, she continued developing at elite institutions like the Jinan Sports School and the junior division of Tsinghua University High School, balancing her athletic training with academics at the highly respected Shandong Experimental High School.
Taking Over at Home: National Stardom
Zhang burst onto the national scene when she was just 14, leading her Under-15 team to a championship with an incredible 42 points, 25 rebounds, and six blocks in the title game. That wasn’t a one-time performance—she followed it up with eye-popping stat lines like a 62-point game at another U15 championship and a 68-point, 24-rebound outing in the provincial finals.
By 2023, now 16 years old, Zhang was dominating older competition in the Under-17 national tournament. In the finals, she dropped 30 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in just 26 minutes, leading her team to another title. Coaches, scouts, and fans alike couldn’t believe what they were seeing—a teenager who looked ready to take on the world.
Going Global: Zhang’s International Breakout
The world truly started paying attention to Zhang at the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup, held in Shenzhen. In her debut against Indonesia, she scored 19 points in just 13 minutes—without missing a single shot. She followed that up with 36 points and 13 rebounds against New Zealand, and then an explosive 44-point, 14-rebound performance against Japan.
In the final, Zhang continued her dominance, scoring 42 points and pulling down 14 boards. She was named the tournament MVP and averaged a jaw-dropping 35 points and nearly 13 rebounds per game. For a player so young, the level of confidence, skill, and control she showed was almost unheard of.
What Makes Her Special: Beyond Just Height
Zhang’s height is obviously the first thing people notice, but it’s what she does with it that makes her a once-in-a-generation talent. She’s not just a traditional center who posts up and blocks shots—she’s what scouts call a “stretch five.” That means she can do everything: run the floor, shoot from mid-range, pass to open teammates, and defend across different positions.
She’s surprisingly agile for someone her size, moving laterally and facing up defenders like a guard. Her basketball IQ is also incredibly high. She reads plays well, positions herself smartly, and has a calm, composed presence on the court. In short, Zhang is the total package.
Looking Ahead: A Future in the WNBA?
Zhang’s future looks as bright as her past is impressive. She plans to continue developing in China’s professional league while finishing her education. Many experts believe she could enter the WNBA draft by 2027—and not just as any player, but as a potential top pick.
Given how she’s already performing against older players and international competition, many believe she could shake up the league when she arrives. She’s not just tall—she’s skilled, focused, and driven. That combination could make her a star on the global stage.
Bigger Than Basketball: Zhang’s Influence and Impact
Zhang Ziyu is already more than just a basketball player—she’s becoming a symbol of what’s possible. Her rise has sparked new interest in girls’ basketball across China and Asia. Young athletes now look at her and believe that they, too, could reach the highest levels of the sport.
Off the court, Zhang’s appeal is just as strong. Brands are lining up to work with her, and media outlets can’t get enough of her story. But she remains grounded and focused on improving her game and inspiring others.
Zhang represents the next generation of basketball. She’s a role model, a trailblazer, and a living example of how talent, hard work, and opportunity can come together to create something truly special.
Final Thoughts: A Legend in the Making
Zhang Ziyu’s journey is still in its early chapters, but what she’s accomplished so far is nothing short of extraordinary. From towering over her classmates in elementary school to dominating on the international stage as a teenager, Zhang is showing the world just how powerful—and beautiful—basketball can be when talent meets passion.
She’s redefining what it means to be a big in the modern game. And as she continues to grow (both literally and figuratively), the basketball world will be watching—and cheering—every step of the way.
Whether it’s the WNBA, the Olympics, or a new wave of young girls picking up a ball because they saw her play, Zhang Ziyu is shaping the future of the sport. And that future looks very, very bright.
