Why Chinese star chose Geelong

Arriving back in Australia after an impressive stint with the New York Liberty in the WNBA, Chinese superstar Han Xu is excited to take the WNBL by storm once again.

Speaking to the media following her return to Aussie shores, Han set herself some big goals ahead of her Geelong Venom debut and praised the physicality of the League.

“This year, I want to go to the first group [All-WNBL First Team],” Xu said during the club's media availibility.

“I feel like I have more time to play with my teammates, be with my coach; I’m ready.

“WNBL is more physical; it’s a physical League, and I watched some games already, and I think I’m ready.

“Especially last season, I felt someone’s elbow always around my back … every rebound, everyone’s [making] contact with each other.

“This is why I come here; I want more physicality.”

Following her stint with the Perth Lynx last season, where she claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award, Han was after a fresh start and spoke about how Geelong was the perfect landing spot for her.

“I like this League, the WNBL, so I wanted to try a different team, different place, and coach Cheryl [Chambers]. I knew her a long time before, and she’s a nice coach,” Han added.

“I like her a lot, and I’m so happy and lucky to be her player.”

Coach Chambers praised the superstar, pointing to her infectious energy and impressive ability as big additions to the lineup.

“You get what you see, Han is just effervescent, lots of energy, brings confidence to the rest of the team, and certainly with her skillset, brings a lot of skill,” Chambers said.

“We’re a new group so it’s going to take us a little bit to get together, but I think our unity will help us.

“[I’m] really excited to see how far she [Han] can help us go.”

Han debuts for the Geelong Venom when they take on the Southside Melbourne Flyers in front of a sold-out Microkeeper Arena.

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