BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Li Xiang has been named head coach of Beijing women's basketball team - known as the Beijing Great Wall - the club announced on Thursday.

A center for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) during his playing career, Li retired to become assistant coach of the Ducks' youth team in 2008, and was appointed the team's head coach in 2017. He was then named assistant coach of the Ducks' first team in 2022.

With Beijing eliminated in the first round of the 2024-25 Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) playoffs, the team is now eyeing China's 15th National Games in November.

Li said that while his new team has endured difficult times lately, he was nevertheless hopeful of future progress. "Beijing women's basketball team has much potential and space for improvement," he said.

"I will try my best to help the team make progress to prepare for the National Games and the upcoming season. We aim to build a tough team with solidarity and perseverance." ■