We have just a handful of weeks left of WCBA action, but the league never settles or sleeps. Recently, Azurá Stevens of the Los Angeles Sparks joined Xinjiang to help the team during the final stretch.
There are many reasons players in the WNBA flock to China and other overseas leagues during the offseason. Two main reasons: the financial opportunity and the basketball opportunity. For Stevens, who averaged 26 minutes per game for the Sparks last year, it’s likely a combination of the two. Some cash always helps, but the chance to play meaningful minutes against professional players should keep her in game shape and give her the reps she needs to hit the ground running once the WNBA season begins in May.
Han aiming for WNBA return
The opportunity to play for her country and shine is a big reason Han Xu plays in the WCBA, and she aims for even more opportunities to showcase her skills and get picked up by a WNBA team.
Xu suited up for the New York Liberty in 2023, but saw limited opportunities due to a foot injury she suffered in the Asia Cup, which cut her season short. She is playing for Sichuan and averaging 16.4 points per game. In a recent interview, she discussed her desire to play in the WNBA during this upcoming season.
Bigs are always needed in the league…
