When 4th ranked Shandong met the No. 1 team, Guangdong, in a highly awaited clash, one teenager stole the show.

The 18-year-old Zhang Ziyu went head-to-head with Kamilla Cardoso, and the match-up lived up to the hype.

In 13 minutes off the bench, Zhang delivered an impactful performance, ending the night with 10 points and 3 blocks as Shandong secured an 83–75 victory.

Her performance against an international talent like Cardoso proves she is adapting quickly to the professional game.

Since making her professional debut at the start of the new year, Zhang has been very efficient even in limited minutes.

She is averaging 10.7 points and 1.3 blocks in just 13.3 minutes per game. She has the highest field goal percentage of 68.4 among all players on the Shandong Sports Lottery roster.

But Zhang Has Been Turning Heads Since Her WCBA Debut

Zhang made an immediate impact upon entering the WCBA. Playing for Shandong earlier this season, she made her debut in a 106–93 win over Shijiazhuang. In 12 minutes, she shot 6-of-9 shooting and grabbed 6 rebounds

Head coach Hou Bing praised her later, saying, “Zhang adapts quickly and has a solid debut, but still needs time to adjust to the intensity of the WCBA. It will take time for our team to build chemistry and coordination.”

Zhang Ziyu's blend of size and skill continues to make her a player to watch in the WCBA.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar