Page 10 n THE ASIAN REPORTER SPORTS October 7, 2019 Asians in American sports w Asian Americans in world sports Chinese players give hope for Asian future in the WNBA By Mike Street CHINESE TALENT. New York Liberty center Special to The Asian Reporter Han Xu, top photo, center, celebrates with her team- mates during the second half of a Women’s National hile the National Basketball Basketball Association exhibition game against China Association (NBA) has seen on May 9, 2019 in New York. In the bottom photo, W Shao Ting of China, right, is defended by Breanna players such as Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Jeremy Lin on the court, the Stewart of the United States during an exhibition Women’s National Basketball Association basketball game held on April 26, 2018 in Seattle, (WNBA) has included very few Asian and in this file photo. Asian-American players on the floor. In Her best game came on August 30 fact, the only Asian WNBA player last against the Connecticut Sun, who finished season was South Korea’s Ji-su Park, who in second place in the Eastern Conference. played 32 games as the center for the Las Han played more than 18 minutes, scoring Vegas Aces. But this year brought a fresh 12 and shooting 2-for-2 from beyond the crop of Chinese talent — two rookies and arc. Her 50% overall mark from one veteran — who should give Asian- three-point territory this season hints at American sports fans plenty to watch in her outside shooting ability, which will be the future. devastating when she gains strength and With their last pick in this year’s WNBA confidence inside. draft, the Atlanta Dream chose 6’7” center After the regular season, Han rejoined Li Yueru, who won’t be able to play until AP Photo/Mary Altaffer China’s national team, where she plays next season because of her obligations to alongside captain Shao Ting. Shao also the Chinese national team. But Li offers played in the WNBA this season after the loads of potential, having already led the Minnesota Lynx signed her to a one-year Guangdong Dolphins to the Women’s deal in April. Shao left her WCBA team, Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) Beijing Shougang, for the once-in-a- championship last season. Look for Li to lifetime opportunity. hit the court next season with another year In addition to being the captain of of WCBA play, as well as International China’s national team, Shao led her Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Beijing team to three straight WCBA experience, under her belt. championships before losing in last Far earlier in the WNBA draft, the New season’s semifinals. Her teammate in York Liberty began a new Asian era for Beijing, Sylvia Fowles, also plays for the their team by drafting Chinese center Han Lynx, and Shao had played with Xu with their second pick, the 14th overall Minnesota in the 2017 preseason before selection. Some were surprised at the pick, she was the last player cut from the roster. as Han is only the second Chinese player to This season, Shao helped Minnesota win be drafted into the WNBA. (Zheng Haixia four of the five games she appeared in, but was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in she never broke into the regular rotation. 1997, but she played only one year due to When Minnesota’s all-star center, Temi injury.) Fagbenle, returned from playing with the However, those who have seen the English national team, the Lynx waived 19-year-old Han play were not at all AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File surprised. The starting center for the Shao, allowing her to prepare for the FIBA Chinese national team, Han is 6’9” — tied She graduated from the NBA Academy Xinjiang Magic Deer in the WCBA, Women’s Asia Cup with Team China. with Brittney Griner for the tallest in the in Shandong in 2017, where she received becoming an all-star in her first season Though Shao’s time with Minnesota was WNBA — and has risen quickly in the NBA-level coaching and other educational and starting for the Chinese national team brief, reaching the WNBA highlights her international ranks. benefits. The following year, she joined the as well. With both Xinjiang and the unique career. Regarded as one of China’s national team, Han gained exposure to top players, she won eight different titles elite international players and showed she at the college level as well as the three in A SUCCESSFUL SALES CAREER could compete against them. the WCBA. More remarkably, she has In the WCBA, Han averaged 15.9 points accomplished all this while earning her and 18.9 rebounds, and she scored 20 doctorate in teacher education. In China, helping others! points when the Chinese national team professional athletes typically never played the United States at the 2018 FIBA attend college; many do not even attend Women’s World Cup. In 2018, she set a high school. personal goal of joining the WNBA within Shao is unlikely to earn a real shot in the Join North America's largest three years; this year’s selection meant she WNBA of the caliber offered to Xu, but her provider of funeral, cremation beat that goal handily. appearance this season could give other With the Liberty this season, Han has veteran WCBA players a chance to play in and cemetery services. struggled to get minutes. She appeared off the best women’s basketball league in the the bench in 18 of the team’s 34 games, two world. Whether other Chinese players We’re looking for motivated sales professional of them New York victories (the squad won earn that opportunity, Asian-American who exhibit integrity, ambition and a passion only 10 games all season). Han averaged sports fans are sure to see more from Li to help others in their time of need. only three points in a little less than eight Yueru and Han Xu next season, as the minutes per game, collecting 15 rebounds WNBA becomes yet another sports league › Excellent income potential › 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and blocking four shots. that looks to the east for new talent. › Health benefits (medical, › Career advancement dental, vision and life) opportunities › Performance-based › Certified Great Place To Work® bonuses since 2017 › Funeral discounts and more To apply, please submit your resume to: Jessica Coleman 920-784-6685 [email protected] LINCOLN Memorial Park & Funeral Home 11801 SE Mt. 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