This 18‑Year‑Old Chinese Teenager Is 7’5″ and Making Heads Explode on the Court — You Have to See It to Believe It
Towering Talent: Meet Zhang Ziyu
Picture a basketball court in Xi’an, China. The stands are filled with cheering fans, but something else towers over them—literally. At 18 years old, Zhang Ziyu stands a staggering 7 feet 5 inches (around 226 cm) tall. And this isn’t just any player—she’s already making waves in the senior national team, and people are losing their minds.
A few days ago, Zhang made her debut with China’s senior women’s squad in a warm-up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In just 12 minutes on the court, she scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Then came another outing, this time against Japan, where she delivered another 18-point, 7-board gem in limited minutes. It was enough to catch the eye of everyone in attendance—imagine a player leaning in for a shot, and the whole rim is basically hers to fill.
That first glimpse was wild. Florida coach Corey Gaines, who saw her in action playing Japan, called her “very interesting” scmp.com. On TikTok, she’s being called everything from “a cheat code” to “the moving Great Wall”. And international headlines? They’re pointing out she doesn’t even need to jump to get the ball in the basket. Simply standing is enough.
Why the World Can’t Look Away
Zhang Ziyu isn’t just tall—she’s skilled. Her footwork, calm decision-making, and dominance in the paint make her feel like something we’ve never seen in the women’s game. She’s not awkward or slow like people expect from very tall players. She’s smooth, coordinated, and smart.
She’s been dominant since she was young. At just 14, she scored 68 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in a provincial championship game. At last year’s U18 Asia Cup, she averaged 35 points and 13 rebounds per game, including a 44-point performance. Scouts from around the world are already watching her closely.
Zhang was born to play. Literally. Her parents were both professional basketball players. She’s been growing up with the game and now, at 7’5”, she’s redefining what’s possible on the court. At 18 years old, she’s taller than any woman to ever play pro basketball—including legends like Margo Dydek, who stood at 7’2”.
And she’s not just riding on size. Her skills are evolving fast, and so is her awareness. Coaches say she’s humble, hungry, and determined to learn.
What’s Next for Zhang Ziyu
Right now, Zhang is part of China’s senior national team. She’s training with seasoned pros and getting minutes in real games. And while she’s not yet eligible to play in the WNBA (league rules require players to be 20), scouts are already talking. If she stays healthy, she could be a top pick in the 2027 draft.
The WNBA has never seen a player like her. Sure, Victor Wembanyama showed us what a tall, skilled young star can do in the NBA—but Zhang Ziyu could do the same for women’s basketball.
Fans are hyped. Every video of her sparks thousands of comments. Some can’t believe she’s real. Others are already predicting she’ll dominate globally. Everyone agrees on one thing: this is just the beginning.
The Bottom Line
Zhang Ziyu is turning heads not just because of her height, but because of how she plays. Calm, dominant, and determined. She doesn’t just stand tall—she plays tall.
She’s not just a curiosity. She’s a rising star. And if the early signs are any indication, she could be one of the most impactful players in the history of women’s basketball.
We’re witnessing the start of something special. And at 7’5”, Zhang Ziyu is impossible to miss.