Former China Women's Basketball Player Sui Feifei: Our Expectations for Zhang Ziyu Were Too High; She Is Still a Rookie

In her Asian Cup observation journal, former China women's basketball player Sui Feifei gave a calm assessment of Zhang Ziyu's performance: our expectations for her were too high; after all, she is still a newcomer.

In this game, Zhang Ziyu played 18 minutes, shooting 2-of-4 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line, finishing with 13 points and 6 rebounds. The statistics were not poor, but in Sui Feifei's view, the pressure placed on this newcomer by the outside world has already exceeded a reasonable level.

"She is still a newcomer," Sui Feifei said while commenting on China's women's basketball team's 61-94 loss to the United States. She said Zhang Ziyu's improvement could be seen, but she is not a player who carries a primary role on the team. The remarks were both a form of protection for a young player and an effort to lower outside expectations.

For a newcomer who has just stepped onto the international stage, growth requires time and space.