When the Perth Lynx signed Chinese centre Han Xu, they knew they were getting a global talent, but her impact has exceeded expectations. The 211-centimetre centre missed the first eight games of the WNBL season due to commitments in China, arriving with the Lynx at five wins and three losses. Since then, Perth has won 15 of 17 matches to storm into the grand final series, on the brink of ending a 34-year championship drought.
Xu's presence has transformed the team's performance. The Lynx went from losing by an average of 3.6 points in the first eight games to winning by an average of 16 points since her debut. Coach Ryan Petrik noted her unique ability to draw defensive attention, creating opportunities for teammates. 'She just has such gravitational pull,' he said, adding that the Lynx have had more open-play attempts than any other side.
Off the court, Xu has drawn a new demographic to the Lynx. General manager Chris Earl said sales of jerseys with her name make up a third of total jersey sales this season. After a game against Southside Flyers, fans stormed the court to reach Xu, requiring security to escort her away. 'It was really cool to watch,' Petrik said.
Xu downplays her celebrity, saying she enjoys interacting with fans but values her personal space. She is focused on adapting to the WNBL's physical style, which she says is more aggressive than leagues in the US and China. 'I try to find some challenge for me to help me to improve,' she said.
The Lynx face Townsville in a best-of-three grand final series starting Thursday. Xu hopes her time in Australia inspires young girls, especially Asian-Australians, to take up basketball.
