Han's building a dynasty Down Under

When Han Xu reflected on her first season in Australia's Women's National Basketball League in March, the Chinese center was already looking beyond her own achievements.

Chinese New York Liberty center, Han Xu, goes up for the basket during a WNBA game against Toronto Tempo in Montreal on July 13. [Photo/Xinhua]

"I hope my experience can serve as a signpost for those who come after me," she wrote on social media. "One day, someone will follow in my footsteps and arrive here."

Just months later, that pathway is becoming crowded.

The Geelong Venom announced last week that Han and her compatriot, forward-guard Zhang Wanglai, had signed one-year contracts for the 2026-27 WNBL season, pending league approval.

Together with Wang Siyu, who has joined the Southside Melbourne Flyers, and Yang Shuyu, who has signed for the Sydney Flames, four Chinese players are now set to compete in the WNBL next season.

For Han, the move to Geelong represents another chapter in a career spanning China, the United States and Australia.

Standing 2.11 meters tall, Han has established herself as one of the country's most successful basketball players on the international club stage.

The 26-year-old was selected by the New York Liberty with the 14th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft.

She has since won three Women's Chinese Basketball Association Most Valuable Player awards and two WCBA championships. She was also part of the Liberty squad that won the 2023 WNBA Commissioner's Cup.

Currently in her fourth WNBA season, she is averaging 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

On Saturday Han reached a milestone 500 league points during the Liberty's 94-92 road win over the Phoenix Mercury.

Playing as a reserve, Han scored a season-high 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, including 3-for-6 shooting from 3-point range, to go with six rebounds and one assist.

Han has been equally influential for the Chinese national team. She helped China claim silver at the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and was selected in the tournament's All-Star Five.

A year later, she was named MVP as China won the FIBA Women's Asia Cup.

Her first season in Australia provided further evidence of her ability to adapt to and succeed in different basketball environments.

Playing for the Perth Lynx in 2025-26, Han averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 18 games. She anchored Perth's defense and helped the team reach the Grand Final Series, where it finished runner-up to the Townsville Fire.

Her strong performances around the basket earned her the league's Defensive Player of the Year award and a place on the All-WNBL Second Team.

Han's combination of size, rim protection and offensive versatility made her one of the most sought-after players on the WNBL market. Australian media reported that several clubs had pursued her, before Geelong eventually secured her signature.

Venom head coach Cheryl Chambers described Han as one of the world's most dominant post players.

"Her shot-blocking and rebounding are genuinely elite," Chambers said.

"Adding that size and experience to our roster gives this team a real edge, and we can't wait to see what she brings to the club this year."

Han's arrival has raised expectations at Geelong as the relatively new club seeks to turn itself from a finals contender into a championship winner.

Veteran guard Rebecca Cole said having an elite shot-blocker behind the team's perimeter defenders would give them the confidence to apply greater pressure to opposing ball handlers.

"Her presence on the floor at both ends of the court is going to change the entire game for us," Cole told Australian basketball media.

Han offers much more than interior defense.

She can run the floor, finish efficiently around the basket and stretch defenses with her outside shooting. Her mobility and touch are rare for a player of her height, giving Chambers a wide range of tactical options.

Already familiar with the WNBL's physical style and competitive intensity, Han said she was excited about returning to Australia.

"I know how passionate this league's fans are and how much the competition has grown," Han said.

"I'm looking forward to bringing everything I've built over my career — from China to the WNBA — into this team, and pushing for something special with my new teammates."

Geelong has further strengthened its roster with Zhang, an experienced competitor in both five-onfive and 3x3 basketball.

The 32-year-old won consecutive WCBA championships in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. She also won the Chinese 3x3 league title in 2023 and was named MVP.

Most recently, she helped China win bronze at this year's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.

Zhang said moving to Australia would give her an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and experience a different style of basketball.

"I'm really looking forward to soaking up the basketball vibe in Geelong," she said.

"I've no idea what's ahead, but I'm going to keep loving the game and take it one step at a time. I can't wait to get settled in, learn the system and go to battle with my new teammates."

The growing presence of Chinese players in overseas leagues reflects a broader trend in the development of women's basketball in China.

Overseas leagues such as the WNBA and WNBL expose Chinese players to faster-paced games, stronger physical contests and different tactical systems. Such experience helps improve their decision-making, defensive awareness and their ability to handle pressure against the world's top teams.

Han remains one of the clearest examples of that process. Following the conclusion of the WNBA regular season, she is expected to represent China at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin in September.

After completing her national-team commitments, she will join Geelong ahead of the WNBL season, which tips off on Oct 15.

Her journey represents a growing connection between Chinese basketball and the international game, with more players willing to step out of their comfort zone and test themselves in more demanding overseas competitions.

In her March message, Han hoped her journey would become a signpost for those coming after her. With four Chinese players now committed to WNBL clubs for the new season, others are already beginning to walk alongside her on the path she helped forge.