China's Han Xu, 19, to go against compatriots at her WNBA debut

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China's Han Xu will make her WNBA debut on Thursday night with New York Liberty. The warm-up match against China's national team will be the first in the world's highest-level women's professional basketball arena for Han, who was selected by the New York Liberty in the WNBA Draft 2019 this April.

"It's such a coincidence as my first game with China's national team was against Team America," said Han, who embraced her upcoming debut in WNBA with both eagerness and nervousness.

"I will adopt a down-to-earth attitude and try my best to work with the team".

Han also mentioned her role in bringing more attention to female basketball. "Female basketball lacks attention in comparison with male basketball. The situation is very much so the same in WNBA and WCBA – Women's Chinese Basketball Association."

Han Xu talks to reporters at the 2019 WNBA Draft at Nike New York Headquarters in New York, New York, April 10, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I will work with other female basketball players to bring more attention to the game."

Tina Charles, Han's teammate in the New York Liberty has spoken highly of the 19-year-old promising center.

"Han's age is her biggest advantage as she is ten years younger than me," said Charles. "She realized her WNBA dream at the age of 19, which serves as a motivation for many young girls."

Han was selected by the New York Liberty as the second pick in the second round and the 14th pick overall. At the ceremony, Han said in English, "I am very excited as the dream comes true."