The ongoing FIBA World Cup in Berlin has created a buzz in the basketball community as the whole world gathers in one place for the signature tournament. But few have generated the buzz like the Chinese teen phenom Zhang Ziyu, who, at 7-foot-3, stands above the rest not just physically, but in one other metric, surpassing even the likes of the US’s Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.

“How many people are searching for Zhang Ziyu’s height each game? 👀,” posted Just Women Sports on September 8, while highlighting the fact that Zhang Ziyu had the most-visited player page, even ahead of the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. By sheer volume of searches, the young Chinese player is beating out some of the most popular WNBA players.

Standing 223 cm tall according to FIBA’s official website, Ziyu is already taller than NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, making her an exceptionally dominant figure even in a sport defined by height.

Clark typically dominates basketball headlines globally, but Ziyu’s curiosity factor has pushed her to the top.

What’s even more interesting is the fact that Ziyu’s teammate, Han Xu, comes in second on the list. Only then do the likes of Clark, Angel Reese and Bueckers enter the conversation, highlighting the buzz that the Chinese team has generated at this tournament.

Clips involving Ziyu have been doing the rounds on the internet. Fans have not stopped comparing the height and size differences on display when Zhang Ziyu takes the floor against any opponent.

One such scene was witnessed when the USA took on China in their opening group stage game. Fans were amused as they saw Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers battling against the 7’3 Ziyu.

Anyone unfamiliar with the 19-year-old was treated to a revelation—watching perhaps one of the most differentiating talents ever to grace the women’s game.

Caitlin Clark was full of praise for the young Chinese player.

“I’ve never played against a woman of that size, and she obviously presented some challenges for us. I think she’s a wonderful player and, and you see how young she is,” Clark said, per FIBA.

“You can tell she’s still growing and learning – how to play and how to leverage her advantage, which is her size. There’s not much you can do to stop her when she gets it really close to the basket. And I thought she was really efficient from the free-throw line as well.”

“I think there’s a lot of upsides with her. She’s still a very young player, but to be this young and to be in a World Cup and to go up against the top players is only gonna help her continue to grow. So, I think if she continues to develop, then there’s definitely a place for her.”

Clark is not far off in her assessment of Ziyu.

Zhang Ziyu first burst onto the international basketball scene two years ago, claiming MVP honors at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.

Ziyu put up staggering numbers across the tournament, averaging 35.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game to finish with an eye-popping 42.8 performance efficiency rating. Her profile skyrocketed even further after she etched her name into the history books, becoming the first Chinese player to throw down a dunk in an official contest.

Ziyu was then made part of the senior team. Making her senior debut at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, Ziyu made an immediate impact by averaging over 15 points per contest.

But Ziyu’s height is contrasted by what her teammate Han Xu describes as a young woman’s mindset.

“She’s a young girl,” said Han in the press conference after China edged past Czechia in overtime. “In life, she’s just a little girl, and this is her first national team game (at the World Cup level). For her, it’s very special and difficult and we all know that. She always plays her best.”

As China takes on Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on Ziyu and Co. and what they can deliver for their team.