Gong: Strong World Cup run will lay foundations for LA28

Four years after finishing runner-up at the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney, China is aiming for another deep run at next month's tournament in Berlin.

Head coach Gong Luming said the event is part of a long-term plan to have the team peak at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Gong, who returned to the helm of the national team last year, struck a cautiously optimistic tone about the squad's progress after more than three months of intensive training.

"The young team is gradually taking shape," he said. "We have laid the groundwork in physical conditioning, skills development, tactical awareness and exposure to high-level international competition. We're starting to see the contours of what this team can become."

Gong emphasized that physicality has been the cornerstone of the current camp.

"Basketball is a contact sport," he noted. "You need the physical tools — speed, strength, and size — to survive high-level contact, stay healthy and execute under pressure."

The coaching staff also introduced a series of timed, high-volume shooting drills that test players' progress, from stationary catch-and-shoot attempts, to off-the-dribble and contested shots under defensive pressure. Gong said the drills are designed to build muscle memory for game-speed situations.

Turning things inside out

A defining feature of this roster is its rare depth at center. The squad boasts four internationally recognized front-court anchors in Han Xu, Li Yueru, teenage phenom Zhang Ziyu and Liu Yutong. Gong considers the quartet world-class, but stressed that individual talent must translate into systematic advantage.

"The key is maximizing their impact on both ends," he said. "How do we turn defensive rebounds into transition offense? How do we convert those fast breaks into points? And, in the half-court, we need a true inside-out game."

That blueprint was on display during a pair of exhibition games against world No 3 Australia last month. Though China lost both contests by just two points, Zhang delivered back-to-back double-doubles — 28 points and 11 rebounds in the opener, followed by 25 and 11 in the rematch — against the reigning Asian champion.

Gong said Zhang has improved her mobility and court awareness after losing weight, while Hall of Famer Wang Zhizhi has helped refine her post play. He added, however, that the modern women's game increasingly emphasizes pace, spacing and defensive switch, presenting a different challenge for the 2.26-meter center.

"What she lacks most now is top-tier international experience," Gong said.

"The game is getting faster; possessions are increasing. That's a challenge she'll need to meet."

Integrating overseas talent

The roster has been in flux to accommodate players balancing overseas careers and academic commitments. In recent weeks, Gong's staff welcomed back several squad members: Deng Yuting from the United States college ranks, and Yang Shuyu and Chen Mingling from Australia's professional league.

Gong remains a vocal advocate for players testing themselves abroad.

"The Chinese Basketball Association and the national team have always supported players going overseas," he said. "They need to face stiffer competition and accelerate their growth. We maintain close communication with them about our tactical concepts, so they can reintegrate seamlessly upon returning."

As for Deng, Gong praised her physical strength and offensive instincts, but emphasized she must sharpen her defense and adapt to the team's system.

"We are looking for complete, two-way players who can impact both ends of the floor," he said.

Berlin warm-ups

China's final preparations include a three-game series against African champion Nigeria from Aug 7-12, followed by a training stint in Europe.

Gong values these warm-ups as potential reality checks. The narrow defeats to Australia, he noted, exposed critical gaps in possession control and defensive rebounding, areas that will likely decide games in Germany.

"In those two games against Australia, we saw where we stand physically," Gong said. "But, if we can cut down on turnovers and limit opponents' second-chance opportunities, we'll put ourselves in a position to control more games."

Drawn in a formidable World Cup group, China will open against defending champion the United States, followed by the Czech Republic and Italy. Gong placed Italy among Europe's elite bracket alongside France, Spain, and Turkiye, praising its structured, collective style of play.

"We will cherish every single game," he said. "Whether it's defense, rebounding or transitional execution, we want to work on specific details. We are taking this one step at a time, studying every opponent, and using this tournament to accumulate valuable experience."

The World Cup, running from Sept 4-13 in Berlin, will be followed by China's title defense at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Gong confirmed the Asian Games roster will differ from the World Cup squad.

For Gong, however, both tournaments serve one overarching purpose. "The ultimate target is the 2028 Olympics," he said.

"Figuring out how to merge our domestic training system with the experiences of players competing overseas — that is a new challenge for us. But, whatever the stage, we will fight for the best possible result."

XINHUA