7’3 Teenager Zhang Ziyu Scores Record 44 Points for China at U18 Women’s Asia Cup

Chinese teenager Zhang Ziyu dropped 44 points in a 97-81 victory over Japan on Wednesday in the group stage of the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup.

The 17-year-old, who has quickly gained viral fame thanks to her 7’3″ frame, shot 20-of-22 from the field. She added 14 rebounds to earn a double-double along with five assists.

FIBA noted her scoring output was a tournament record, surpassing the 39 points from Hsiao Yu Wen of Chinese Taipei in 2022.

Zhang is making the most of her first international event with China. She had 19 points and seven rebounds as her team opened with a win over Indonesia, and she followed up with 36 points, 13 boards and four blocks as China beat New Zealand.

The host country punched a ticket to the semifinals with Wednesday’s victory, where it will meet either South Korea or New Zealand. It’s safe to assume Guizhi Wang will continue to lean heavily on Zhang inside in pursuit of a first gold medal in this event since 2018.