Team USA prepares for frontcourt challenges against China at FIBA World Cup

Team USA faces China on Friday in the opening game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. The matchup presents a tactical challenge for head coach Kara Lawson, as the American roster must contend with the significant height of China’s frontcourt. New York Liberty center Han Xu, who stands 6-foot-11, leads the Chinese interior alongside 6-foot-7 Dallas Wings center Li Yueru and 7-foot-4 Zhang Ziyu. Team USA enters the tournament without A’Ja Wilson due to injury management and features a roster with a maximum height of 6-foot-5. Analysts suggest Lawson may need to adjust defensive assignments for players like Breanna Stewart to mitigate China's size advantage in the paint. The American squad enters the tournament with a deep roster that includes Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese.

• 12:22 PMYahoo Sports — “She Knows Exactly What To Do With Her”: Han Xu Becomes Key Focus As Team USA Prepares Frontcourt Strategy Against China