LOS ANGELES, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese 19-year-old center Han Xu says she is ready to shine at the draft of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
"It has always been my dream to play in WNBA and show my basketball skills on this top-level stage," said the rising Asian star.
Han, who stands 2.07 meters tall, has been training in the University of California, Los Angeles since March 13 to prepare for the WNBA draft.
"I play with foreign players a lot. I know my strengths and weaknesses," said the center.
"I have been building up my physique," she added. "Friends and family members always remind me to give special attention to enhancing my confrontation ability in matches and training. For a Chinese player, you have to use your brain and agility in WNBA matches."
Han started her first WCBA season with the Xinjiang Tianshan Magic Deer in 2018, averaging 15.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, which was enough to earn her a start in the WCBA All-Star Game.
If drafted, she will be the fourth Chinese women's player to play in the WNBA after Zheng Haixia, Miao Lijie and Sui Feifei. She also looks up to Yao Ming, the most successful Chinese player in the NBA.
"They are all my role models," Han said. "As long as I can take advantage of my strengths, I'm confident I can establish myself in the WNBA."
The WNBA draft will be held on April 10 at Nike New York Headquarters.
