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Women's basketball turns to boxing

By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-29 06:54

"Other countries like Russia and the Czech Republic are getting stronger and quicker on the court. Our team lacks quickness. Even if our players are skilful, we are not able to use the skill on the international court if we are not strong and quick enough."

Maher, with experiences of leading a use-to-be-minnows Australian national women's team to third place in the 1996 Atlanta Games, and to a silver medal win in the 2000 Sydney Games, also singled out defence as a key factor if the team is to challenge the world's best.

"They still need to learn how to stay in position to get the rebound. The defence is the No 1 thing."

Though with difficulties and pressure, Maher tries to keep upbeat.

"China is a big basketball country with a good sporting atmosphere," said Maher.

"The players are good and competitive. The WCBA (China's premier women's basketball league) is a very good league. And there are tight and good matches to watch."

He added that Chinese players have improved a lot in the league.

"We also have a number of good young players," said Maher.

Some new faces showed up for the first time in the national team like Shao Tingting from Bayi club and Zhang Wei from Liaoning, the key player behind the nation's youth team's third place finish in last year's World Youth Championships. There's also the 2.06m teenager Wei Wei from Guangdong.

"They are all talented players. What they lack is the experience," said manager Bai.