China’s 3×3 women’s basketball team narrowly missed gold at the FIBA Women’s Series in Chengdu, falling 18-17 to Australia in a nail-biting final on Saturday. The squad’s unconventional lineup—featuring three post players and just one perimeter shooter—sparked both curiosity and debate. 🌟
Coach Xu Jiamin called the roster 'extreme,' but strategic. 'We chose this style because of [Chen Yujie’s] recovery speed,' she said, referencing injuries that sidelined other players. Despite the loss, Xu praised her team’s grit: 'They fought hard even when trailing.'
The squad included Olympic veterans Wan Jiyuan and Zhang Zhiting, plus Asian Games competitors Chen Mingling and Chen Yujie. While their rebounding dominated, poor outside shooting proved costly. 🎯
Could this bold approach return in Paris 2024? 'No single squad beats everyone in 3×3,' Xu teased. 'We adapt based on players.' China, who won bronze at Tokyo 2020, might see star Wang Lili return next month in Wuhan—a potential game-changer. 🚀
