Lynx unveil debut date for Xu-perstar signing

The Perth Lynx confirmed on Wednesday that Chinese superstar Han Xu will make her WNBL debut on Saturday night.

The 211cm centre, who arrived in Perth on Saturday night, will suit up for the Lynx during their Round 7 fixture with the UC Capitals at the AIS Arena.

Lynx coach Ryan Petrik declared the two time Olympian, who is the second tallest basketballer in the world, will bring an unrivalled combination of height and skill to his side.

“Height matters, but when you have height and skill, it is a totally different game. It is game changing," Petrik said to the West Australian.

"Professional sport is unfair if you are athletically gifted. She is athletically gifted and has talent. That is a really deadly combination."

Ahead of her WNBL debut, the former New York Liberty star, who trained with her Lynx teammates on Tuesday, explained that her height was not her only advantage.

"My height is not my only advantage. My advantage how to use my height for rebounds and I want to use my height defensively to protect the ring. I will use all of my advantages to help the team," Xu said.

"I wanted to play in the WNBL because I have played against the Australian national team and a lot of those players are in the Lynx team. I want to learn from them."

Following her proposed WNBL debut, Xu is expected to play her first home game in front of a Lynx home crowd at Perth High Performance Centre on Friday, December 5.

The Friday night clash with Southside Melbourne Flyers is already heading towards a sellout, with Lynx general manager Chris Earl saying that while the club expected Xu’s arrival to be hotly anticipated, the interest has been almost overwhelming.

“The excitement around Han’s arrival has been incredible," Earl said via a club statement.

“She’s a world-class talent and to have her debut for the Lynx this weekend is a huge moment for our club and the WNBL.

"The response from fans has been overwhelming, and with next Friday’s home game against Southside already heading towards a sellout, it’s clear how much anticipation there is to see Han in action.”

Tickets to Saturday's Round 7 fixture, which will be broadcast live on ESPN and 9Now, are still available here.

Read the full story here >> Perth Lynx recruit Han Xu tipped to tear WNBL apart as 211cm Chinese star prepares for her debut