BEIJING (CBA) – China have handed the reins of the women’s national team to Sun Fengwu, a former captain of the men’s side who competed in three Olympics and three FIBA World Championships.
An assistant under ex-women’s boss Tom Maher, Sun is determined to build on the country’s impressive showing in Beijing where they reached the Semi-Finals before falling to Australia.
“I am confident I can take the team to the next level over the next few years,” Sun said.
The long-term aim for Sun is to have the Chinese in peak form when the Olympics are staged in London in 2012.
He is hoping that the country’s two top players last summer, Chen Nan and Miao Lijie, will be more influential after gaining experience in the WNBA where the two are expected to play next season after being given clearance by China’s Basketball Administrative Center.
Chen, the big center, and shooting guard/small forward Miao won’t be available when the Chinese compete at the FIBA Asian Championship in Chinese Taipei from June 21-28.
China will warm up for that event with games against Lithuania, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Sun says his stars’ absences should not hurt the team’s chances of winning in Chinese Taipei.
"We will use other players," he said.
"We're not really worried as we still have an advantage in Asia, even without them.
"Right now we have our eyes trained on 2012 because we hope both women will benefit from their time with the WNBA so as to be better positioned to do some damage in London."
In addition to his remarks in the press conference, Sun spoke to Xinhua – China’s official news agency - and emphasized the need to focus on youth.
"I hope to give priority to the young players," he said, adding that "only three to five players (from the Olympics) will remain in the team.
"You will see many new faces. These young players have little international experience and still require going through tough training."
FIBA
