Home / Sports / Teen Giant Zhang Ziyu Shakes Up Women's Basketball
Teen Giant Zhang Ziyu Shakes Up Women's Basketball
4 Sep
Summary
- Zhang Ziyu, 19, stands an astonishing 7-foot-4 or 7-foot-3.
- She is the tallest active women's basketball player globally.
- Zhang is eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
At 19 years old, Chinese basketball player Zhang Ziyu is capturing global attention with her extraordinary height, reportedly standing at 7-foot-4. This makes her the tallest active woman in the sport, surpassing even recognized world record holders. Her presence is set to be a major talking point in the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.
Zhang's journey began gaining traction in 2024 after she dominated in FIBA's U-18 Cup, earning tournament MVP honors. Now a player for the Shandong Six Stars in China's WCBA league, she showcases promising touch and footwork. Despite clear challenges in mobility, her sheer size and strength present a unique matchup problem for competitors.
With her impressive frame, Zhang is eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft. While her current statistics in the WCBA are solid for a teenager, projections suggest she may require further development before making a significant impact at the WNBA level. She is expected to be a draft-and-stash candidate for interested teams.
