Aspiring Female Yao: 6-10 Han Xu Making Mark in WNBA, China

New York Liberty center Han Xu is shown during the first half of a WNBA exhibition basketball game against China, Thursday, May 9, 2019, in New York. Standing 6-10, Han would like to emulate Yao Ming's impact — including his influence on the sport in China. She wants to be a female beacon of basketball in her native land. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

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By Associated Press

July 22, 2022 at 6:31 AM UTC

Updated on

July 22, 2022 at 5:25 PM UTC

New York (AP) -- Han Xu understandably grew up idolizing Yao Ming, mesmerized by the giant shadow the 7-foot-6 Hall of Famer cast each time he stepped onto an NBA court.

Standing 6-10, Han would like to emulate Yao's impact — including his influence on the sport in China. The New York Liberty post player wants to be a female beacon of basketball in her native land.