MELBOURNE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Geelong Venom of Australia's Women's National Basketball League has announced the signing of Chinese duo Han Xu and Zhang Wanglai for the 2026-27 season.
The Venom, based in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne, confirmed the signings on Tuesday, with both players joining the club on one-year deals pending league approval.
It will be Han's second season in the WNBL after she helped the Perth Lynx reach the 2025-26 championship series.
The 2.11-meter center averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 18 games for the Lynx and was named the WNBL Defensive Player of the Year.
Geelong Venom coach Cheryl Chambers described the 26-year-old Chinese as one of the world's most dominant post players.
"Adding that size and experience to our roster gives this team a real edge, and we can't wait to see what she brings to the club this year," she said.
Han said she was looking forward to bringing the experience she had gained in China and the WNBA to Geelong and pushing for "something special" with her new teammates.
The Venom also confirmed the signing of forward-guard Zhang, who has competed in both traditional and 3x3 basketball.
Zhang won back-to-back Women's Chinese Basketball Association titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. She also won China's 3x3 basketball league championship and was named most valuable player in 2023.
At international level, she helped China finished third at this year's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.
Zhang said joining the Venom would allow her to step outside her comfort zone, experience a new style of basketball and take on a fresh challenge.
"I'm really looking forward to soaking up the basketball vibe in Geelong," she said.
The 2026-27 WNBL season will begin on October 15. ■
