The Perth Lynx's WNBL championship aspirations have received a monumental boost with the arrival of their new import, Chinese basketball star Han Xu. The 211-centre sensation landed in Western Australia late Saturday night, ready to make her mark on the competition.
Game-Changing Arrival for Top-Two Team
Han Xu's arrival comes at a crucial time for the second-placed Lynx, who hold a 5-2 record as they prepare for their Sunday clash against Bendigo in Traralgon. While Xu won't feature in this match, instead watching from home, she's scheduled to make her season debut next weekend.
The timing couldn't be better for Perth, who face the challenge of maintaining their ladder position against third-placed Bendigo. A victory would create valuable breathing space between the two contenders as the season progresses.
Turner's Stellar Stand-In Performance
American star Brianna Turner has been nothing short of spectacular while filling the gap during Xu's absence due to commitments in China. Turner will play her final game against Bendigo before returning to the United States, having averaged an impressive 11 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per game.
Lynx coach Ryan Petrik praised Turner's professional approach, describing her as "elite from day one." He emphasised that despite her short-term contract, Turner demonstrated complete commitment to the team's success.
"She could have just turned up and mailed it in. It's just not in her character," Petrik said. "She came in on day one and said 'what are we doing? Let's go.' She wants to win and is ultra competitive. She plays her backside off for every second of every game and requires zero maintenance which for an elite player is really rare."
Strategic Shift and Future Prospects
The Lynx coaching staff have navigated the unique challenge of developing game plans that maximise Turner's athleticism while simultaneously preparing for Xu's distinctive skill set. This strategic flexibility has been crucial to their strong start to the season.
Turner reflected positively on her Australian experience, stating: "If I'm on a team, I'm going to go all-in. Even though I'm only here for eight games, I want to give 100 per cent. They're all giving their all so I want to give my all too. I'm all-in for the whole time I am here."
The Lynx are positioned to make a serious finals run, with Turner expressing her ongoing support: "It's been really fun. Hopefully we get this next win and I finish off 6-2. I'll be keeping up with them for the rest of the season and pulling for them to win it all."
With Xu's imposing 211cm frame now in Perth and integrated into their system, the Lynx appear well-equipped to challenge for the WNBL championship, adding an exciting new dimension to their already successful campaign.
