Yang Liwei is a Chinese professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Chinese national team and, as of recent seasons, has competed for clubs such as Inner Mongolia and Guangdong in the WCBA. She is recognized as a trailblazer for Chinese women in international basketball, notably becoming the first Chinese guard to sign with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Yang Liwei (杨力维)
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Date of Birth: January 2, 1995
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Hometown: Kunming, Yunnan, China (some sources list Guangdong)
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Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)
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Weight: 137 lbs (62 kg)
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Position: Point Guard
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Jersey Number: #7 (national team)
Professional Career
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Club Teams:
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Inner Mongolia Women’s Basketball Team (2012–2023)
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Guangdong Vermilion Birds (prior to Inner Mongolia, and recently)
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WNBA:
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Los Angeles Sparks (2023)
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Signed in February 2023, making her the first Chinese guard to join the Sparks
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Played two matches before being waived in May 2023
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Recent WCBA Stats:
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Inner Mongolia (2022–23):
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13.5 points, 5.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.9 steals per game
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Shot 61.4% from the field, 40.4% from three, 81.1% from the free-throw line
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Playing Style:
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Known for her quickness, athleticism, and leadership
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Strong playmaker and facilitator
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Defensive tenacity and clutch performance
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International Career
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Olympics:
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Member of the Chinese national team at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics
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FIBA World Cup:
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2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup:
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Played in eight games
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Averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 assists, 1.6 rebounds per game
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Shot 46.5% from the field, 50% from three
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Scored 18 points and 4 assists in the semifinal upset of Australia
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Helped China win the silver medal
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FIBA Asia Cup:
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2023: Led China to the title, defeating Japan in the final (73–71)
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Asian Games:
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2022 Hangzhou:
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Flag bearer for China at the opening ceremony
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Won gold after defeating Japan in the final (74–72)
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Other International Stats:
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2024 Olympics:
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Notable performances: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists in one game; 5 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists in another
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Averaged around 4 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists per game
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Achievements & Honors
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WNBA Trailblazer: First Chinese guard to sign with the Los Angeles Sparks
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Olympian: 2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris
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FIBA World Cup silver medalist (2022)
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FIBA Asia Cup champion (2023)
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Asian Games gold medalist (2022)
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Asian Games flag bearer (2022)
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Four-time WCBA All-Star
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Consistent national team starter and leader
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Quickness and athleticism
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Playmaking and ball-handling
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Defensive intensity
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Leadership and clutch performance
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Style:
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Aggressive, dynamic point guard who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings experience, energy, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Yang Liwei
What position does Yang Liwei play?
Point Guard
Which team does she play for?
Chinese national team (international); Inner Mongolia and Guangdong (WCBA)
How old is Yang Liwei?
30 (born January 2, 1995)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA trailblazer, Olympian, FIBA World Cup silver medalist, FIBA Asia Cup champion, Asian Games gold medalist, Asian Games flag bearer, four-time WCBA All-Star
What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive point guard with strong playmaking and leadership
Conclusion
Yang Liwei is a respected and accomplished guard whose trailblazing international career, leadership, and clutch performances have made her a key figure in Chinese basketball and a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.
