by sportswriters Li Bowen, Su Bin and Cao Yibo

SHENZHEN, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Host China will deploy its teenage phenom Zhang Ziyu with a focus on both the future and the defense of its title at the upcoming FIBA Women's Asia Cup, which begins Sunday in Shenzhen.

For China, the defending champion, the first major tournament of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle is about more than just winning on home soil. The primary goal is to manage a generational transition, giving young players critical experience after a disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Two years ago, China ended a 12-year title drought and broke Japan's grip on the FIBA Women's Asia Cup with a tense 73-71 victory to secure the gold medal. However, the setback in Paris prompted a coaching change, with veteran Gong Luming returning in February, marking his return to the position he last held 20 years ago.

Gong has assembled a balanced roster, combining seasoned veterans like guards Yang Liwei and Wang Siyu with promising young talents, notably the 18-year-old Zhang. Standing at 2.26 meters (7-foot-5), Zhang is set to make her senior debut in this tournament, after a breakout performance last year at the same venue when she dominated the U18 Asia Cup, averaging 35 points and 12.8 rebounds to earn MVP honors.

"There are growing pains with a generational transition," Gong said, acknowledging the challenge ahead. "The experience and playing style of the veterans differ from the newcomers. In a team sport, building chemistry takes time and a lot of work," he added.

On the court, Zhang will form a towering frontcourt duo with the more agile Han Xu, providing China with diverse offensive options in the paint. Her main challenge will be adjusting to the increased physicality and stamina demands of senior-level competition.

While depth and experience will be tested, China's championship pedigree remains undeniable.

China is favored to advance from a group that includes New Zealand, South Korea, and Indonesia. South Korea, tied with China for the most Asia Cup titles at 12, is expected to be China's toughest group-stage opponent.

The path to a second straight championship will likely involve overcoming perennial rivals Japan and world No. 2 Australia, who are on the opposite side of the bracket.

Australia handed China its only loss in recent warm-up matches, a 76-63 defeat in a game where Zhang was rested. The Australians have medaled in every Asia Cup since joining the FIBA Asia zone in 2017.

The Opals have undergone a roster refresh, with only Chloe Bibby returning from 2023, and the loss of Maddy Rocci to injury is a setback. Still, their blend of youth and experience makes them a formidable contender capable of challenging China for gold.

Gong said the two exhibition games against Australia were the most valuable preparation for his squad.

"To become a top team in the world, we must adapt to playing against this level of high-intensity, physical basketball," Gong added. ■