2.21 meter tall teenager Zhang Ziyu scores record 44 points for China at the U18 Women’s Asia Cup

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

The 17-year-old, who has quickly gained viral fame thanks to her 7-foot-4 frame, shot 20 of 22 from the field. She added 14 rebounds and earned a double-double along with five assists.

FIBA noted that her score was a tournament record, surpassing the 39 points of 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 with 36 points, 13 boards and four blocks as China defeated New Zealand.

With Wednesday’s victory, the host nation secured a ticket to the semi-finals, where it will meet South Korea or New Zealand. It’s safe to assume that Guizhi Wang will continue to lean heavily on Zhang in his pursuit of a first gold medal at this event since 2018.