Dialogue丨Han Xu: It is not easy to compete in the WNBA, but I want to be the best player

　　In front of the camera, when talking about interesting topics, Chinese women's basketball player Han Xu always smiles, mature and cute.

This Hebei girl, who is less than 23 years old, is already a leader in the pursuit of dreams.

　　"Genius is the ability to work hard without end." Philosopher Carlisle's words are very apt to describe Han Xu.

　　With a height of 2.07 meters, agile footwork and excellent basketball IQ - since entering the public eye, the young Han Xu has been regarded as the future leader of the Chinese women's basketball team.

　　Being young means there are countless possibilities and more courage to challenge yourself.

　　In the 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup, the Chinese team lost 88:100 to the United States, which was the smallest loss by the Chinese women's basketball team against the United States since 1983.

At that time, Han Xu, who was only 18 years old, scored 20 points and 5 rebounds, stunning the world.

FIBA once compared Han Xu with Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming,

both of whom were seen as the hope of the national team when they were young.

The picture shows Han Xu.

Image source: Photo courtesy of the interviewee

　　The U.S. Women's National Basketball League (WNBA) is the highest level of women's basketball.

In the 2019 WNBA draft, Han Xu was selected by the New York Liberty with the 14th overall pick.

　　After a two-year absence from the WNBA, she is now heading overseas again, setting foot on the WNBA arena for the second time.

Compared with three years ago, Han Xu is more mature.

Looking forward to the future, Han Xu is eager to realize what he thinks in his heart and be the best version of himself.

The picture shows Han Xu.

Image source: Photo courtesy of the interviewee

China-Singapore Sports X Han Xu

In a recent conversation with China-Singapore Sports, Han Xu shared a little story about basketball.

When talking about the Chinese women's basketball team, she described it as "tenacity", "courage" and "unity".

In Han Xu's view, being able to bring strength to the Chinese is also one of the meanings of the existence of the Chinese women's basketball team.

The picture shows Han Xu.

Image source: Photo courtesy of the interviewee

Return to the WNBA

Zhongxin Sports:

This is your second time logging into the WNBA. How is it different from the first time?

In what areas do you want to improve?

Han Xu:

The first time I came to the WNBA in 2019, I got very few training opportunities.

At that time, I had high demands on myself and I felt very disappointed when I failed to meet my psychological expectations.

When I came back again, the coach gave me more playing time, and I also made some achievements and increased my self-confidence.

Hope to improve in confrontation, defensive ability and rebounding ability in the future.

China-Singapore Sports:

Compared with the first time you came to the WNBA, how do you feel different this time?

Do you have trouble communicating with your teammates?

Han Xu:

Coming back again, I am very excited and happy, I have become more decisive, and the speed of learning tactics is faster than before.

　　On the court, there is no barrier to communication with teammates.

They told me that for a girl whose native language is Chinese, my English is very good.

They can understand me, especially on the court.

But still need to learn, to express boldly, even with body language.

China-Singapore Sports:

Compared with the WCBA, what are the differences in the training and competition of the WNBA?

Han Xu:

The training time will be shortened, but the intensity will be higher.

Everyone is passionate and very active.

Because the season is in progress, I will not practice too much personal skills, but mainly practice the team's skills and tactics, so as to quickly improve the team's tacit understanding.

The picture shows Han Xu.

Image source: Photo courtesy of the interviewee

Frustration tempers the mentality

China-Singapore Sports:

What influence did your parents have on your becoming a professional player?

Han Xu:

My parents used to be professional basketball players, so I was nurtured since I was a child, and I naturally started to get in touch with basketball.

I was also a little taller than my peers when I was a kid.

　　Initially, they didn't expect me to be on the WNBA stage today.

　　After that, my parents chose to send me to the High School Affiliated to Tsinghua University, where I could play football while attending school.

After graduating, I got into professional basketball and eventually became a professional player.

China-Singapore Sports:

The outside world generally thinks that you have outstanding talent. As a young player, how do you view this evaluation?

Han Xu:

There will be pressure.

I am very grateful to everyone for giving me this kind of evaluation and placing a lot of hope in me.

China-Singapore Sports:

When you were selected for the national team for the first time, you were almost the youngest player.

After that, he joined the team to fight. Along the way, have you also encountered setbacks?

Han Xu:

I did go through a difficult time.

Including now there are setbacks with me.

　　But all I can do is keep telling myself: setbacks are something that life has to experience.

They will turn into growth trails, help me grow, and make my mentality better.

China-Singapore Sports:

In the 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup, China played against the United States, you played well.

Remember how it felt then?

What is the most impressive game in your career?

Han Xu:

At that time, everyone said that I was "born out of nowhere".

The "little rookie" who has hardly played the senior world competition, played well.

Instead of treating the opponent as Team USA, I was reading the defense, ignoring outside voices, and just focusing on the court and enjoying the game.

　　The debut after returning to the WNBA left a deep impression on me.

At that time, I made a three-pointer, and at the moment of the shot, my teammate signaled that she also had an open opportunity.

But I didn't think too much about it, I just shot it.

Don't hesitate on the pitch, believe in yourself.

Of course, if your teammates have a better chance than you, they will choose to pass the ball.

Data map: Han Xu's dribbling breakthrough at the Tokyo Olympics.

Image credit: Osports All Sports Photo Agency

best self

China-Singapore Sports:

What are your hobbies outside of daily training and competition?

Han Xu:

I should record some Vlogs later, because I really want to record the precious days here.

　　My hobby is drawing and I like to draw on the iPad.

I also like flowers and plants very much. I will buy flowers to decorate my apartment, and I feel very warm.

I will also watch WNBA games when I have time to learn.

China-Singapore Sports:

On the court, you are very mature.

Are you more introverted or extroverted in your life?

Han Xu:

When I first met someone, I would not be too outgoing.

But after a long time, if we chat very well, we may get to know each other very quickly.

My teammates often say that I'm the "funny" person they've ever met, the funniest person, and I have a good time with them.

China-Singapore Sports:

Do your parents usually pay attention to your games?

As professionals, do they give you advice?

Han Xu:

My parents are very concerned about my competition, training and daily life.

I went to New York alone, and they were worried at home, often texting me about my situation.

As a professional basketball practitioner, they would give me some questions and guidance.

China-Singapore Sports:

Along the way, what forces are behind you to support you?

Han Xu: I want to be the best version of myself.

　　When I was in elementary school, the teacher asked everyone to write their wishes on the blackboard.

I took the chalk and wrote four words on the highest place, basketball star.

　　Coming to the WNBA is not easy. Now the epidemic is more dangerous, and it also includes language barriers, personal safety and other issues.

　　But I want to see where I can be on this highest stage.

I want to see what kind of player I can be, I want to be the best.

Data map: In February 2020, the women's basketball qualifying match for the Tokyo Olympics.

Han Xu and his teammates celebrate the victory.

Image credit: Osports All Sports Photo Agency

Chinese women's basketball

China-Singapore Sports:

At the beginning of 2020, the Chinese women's basketball team cheered for Wuhan after the Olympic qualifiers, which touched many people.

In your opinion, what kind of collective is the Chinese women's basketball team?

If you had to describe it in a few words, what would you choose?

Han Xu:

The significance of the existence of the Chinese women's basketball team is not only a basketball team. At the beginning of 2020, the new crown epidemic broke out. We want to use the victory to bring comfort to the people of the country.

　　This is also one of the meanings of the existence of the Chinese women's basketball team. We hope to bring strength to the people of the motherland.

Basketball is a team sport. Through hard work on the court, it shows the spirit of never giving up and a tough attitude.

　　To describe the Chinese women's basketball team, first is tenacity, then courage, and finally unity.

China-Singapore Sports:

With the experience of studying abroad, how do you plan to help the Chinese women's basketball team in the future?

Han Xu:

I will play every game well here, practice every training session well, learn the essence of basketball development abroad, and pass it on to everyone after returning home.

The most important thing is to make yourself better.

　　Author: Liu Xingchen