Chinese star basketball player Yang Shuyu set to shine in Sydney stint

Chinese basketball star Yang Shuyu likes to let the action do the talking.

That is what Australian spectators can look forward to when she begins her stint with the Sydney Flames in the 2026-27 Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) season later this month.

"It's always good to experience different playing styles in different places to up our game," said Yang, who is also the captain of the Chinese women's national basketball team and recently clocked an impressive Australian NBL1 South season with the Melbourne Tigers.

Yang, 24, spoke at a welcome reception on Tuesday, delighting local fans who crowded a pavilion at the city's landmark Chinese Garden of Friendship.

"I'm very grateful for being given this opportunity, to learn from the strengths of others and improve my own skills," Yang said.

Her national teammates Han Xu and Wang Siyu have also committed to the latest WNBL season, with Han joining the Geelong Venom and Wang the Southside Melbourne Flyers.

Sydney Flames head coach Renae Garlepp said the team draws outstanding players "who want to get better and are working as hard as they can".