Geelong Venom has pulled off a huge recruiting coup, confirming the commitment of Chinese superstar centre Han Xu alongside the commitment of forward/guard Wanglai Zhang, with both players joining the club on one-year deals for the 2026/27 WNBL season pending league approval.
Han needs little introduction to basketball fans anywhere in the world. At 211cm, she is the second-tallest player in WNBA history and has drawn comparisons throughout her career to Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming.
Drafted 14th overall by the New York Liberty in 2019 as the youngest player in her draft class, Han has gone on to become a three-time WCBA MVP, a two-time WCBA champion, and a WNBA Commissioner's Cup winner. On the international stage, she helped China to a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, earning a place in the tournament's All-Star Five, before being named MVP of the 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
Venom head coach Cheryl Chambers said that Han Xu is one of the most dominant post players in the world right now, and that the organisation was thrilled about the roster addition.
“She's a WNBA superstar, a multiple-time WCBA MVP, and reigning WNBL Defensive Player of the Year — her shot-blocking and rebounding are genuinely elite. 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,” said Chambers.
Han arrives in Geelong off the back of a standout debut WNBL campaign with the Perth Lynx in 2025/26, where she was named WNBL Defensive Player of the Year and selected in the All-WNBL Second Team, averaging two blocks per game and helping the Lynx to a 12–2 record across her 14 games before a Championship series appearance.
Han said that joining the Geelong Venom is an exciting new chapter.
“I've played against Australian teams before, including a season with Perth, and I know how passionate this league's fans are and how much the competition has grown. I'm looking forward to bringing everything I've built over my career — from China to the WNBA — into this team, and pushing for something special with my new teammates this year,” said Han.
The Venom have also confirmed the signing of Wanglai Zhang, a decorated international competitor with a growing reputation across both traditional and 3x3 basketball.
Zhang won the U18 Asian Championship in 2012 and finished fifth at the U19 World Cup the following year, before going on to claim back-to-back WCBA titles in 2022–23 and 2023–24. She also won the Chinese 3x3 league championship in 2023, where she was named MVP.
Most recently, Zhang starred at this year's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, hitting a string of clutch shots to keep her team in contention before falling to Australia on a last-second buzzer-beater — then leading her side to a dominant bronze medal win over Japan.
Zhang said that joining the Venom meant stepping out of her comfort zone, trying a new brand of basketball, and taking on a fresh challenge.
“I'm really looking forward to soaking up the basketball vibe in Geelong – such a big sports town. Huge thanks to all my fans for sticking with me. No idea what's ahead, but I'm going to keep loving the game and take it one step at a time. Can't wait to get settled in, learn the system, and go to battle with my new teammates,” said Zhang.
Landing two players of this calibre in the same window sends a clear message about where Geelong Venom is heading into 2026/27 — a roster now stacked with genuine international class and finals experience.
Geelong Venom Early Bird memberships launch to the general public this Sunday night.
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