At 211cm tall, Han Xu’s impact on WNBL has been seismic

Source : ABC NEWS

When the Perth Lynx signed Chinese centre Han Xu, they did so knowing they were recruiting a global talent.

But her impact both on and off the court has come as something of a surprise even to those in the know.

The 211-centimetre centre missed the first eight games of the WNBL season due to commitments in China, and arrived with the Lynx sitting at five wins and three losses.

Since then Perth has won 15 of 17 matches to storm into the grand final series and is on the brink of ending a 34-year championship drought.

Her impact off the court has been equally seismic.

“She’s brought a whole new demographic of people into the Perth Lynx fraternity and the family,” Lynx general manager Chris Earle said.

Such is Xu’s popularity, sales of Perth Lynx jerseys with her name on them make up a third of total jersey sales for the club this season.

It was an outcome the club hoped for, but the impact has still been surprising.

“When you’re picking up someone who’s been an all-star at an international level … you’re always expecting or hoping for the impact that she’s made,” Earle said.

“To see it in real life and see it in the flesh has been pretty cool.”

Game changer

For Lynx coach Ryan Petrik, having Xu at his disposal is an almost surreal experience.

“Han is 6’11 and she moves like someone who’s 6’2, 6’3,” he said.

“The way she runs, her body movements, how fluidly she moves is really surreal to watch.”

Xu’s arrival has resulted in a spectacular improvement of on court metrics for the Lynx.

The Lynx have gone from losing by an average 3.6 points in the first eight games of the season, to winning by an average 16 points since Xu’s debut. 

“She just has such gravitational pull in terms of any time you put her into an action, all 10 eyes of the opposition team are on her,” Petrik said.

That has allowed the team’s other stars more shooting opportunities. The Lynx have had more attempts from open play than any other side in the competition.

Petrik has noted the impact Xu has had off the court as well

“We played [Melbourne-based] Southside Flyers about a month ago and after the game all the fans stormed the court trying to get to Han,” he said.

“Southside security guards actually grabbed her and took her to a separate section to try and get the fans away and then they organised an orderly line. 

“We’re trying to do our team debrief and she’s out with the Southside fans. It was actually really cool to watch.”

Coping with pressure

Xu’s star-factor has been easy to see, but the woman herself plays down her celebrity

“People ask, can I take a photo with you, and I say yes,” she said.

“But I don’t want, when I go shopping, a lot of people come (up to me). I want space.”

Xu’s focus has been on adapting to the WNBL, after stints in the WNBA in the United States, and the WCBA in China.

“The defence here is more physical. The Australian players are more physical,” she said.

“I try to find some challenge for me to help me to improve.”

Inspiring the next generation

Xu has her sights set on the WNBA.

In the meantime, the Lynx are happy to make the most of her talent while she remains on Australian shores. 

They are hoping her impact carries into the grand final series, where they will face Townsville in a best of three series starting on Thursday.

For Xu, she will be happy if she leaves the country having inspired more young girls — and particularly young Asian-Australian girls — to pick up a basketball.

“I saw a lot of women and girls liked my jerseys and they come to watch my games and I’m very appreciative,” she said.

“This is why I work hard … and I hope basketball can be better and better, especially Asian basketball, so I try my best to play hard so more people see.”