Behind every great athlete is often an unseen mentor, working tirelessly to help them reach their full potential. For Chinese basketball star Han Xu, that mentor is Weijie “Kevin” Zhang, one of the China born player to play in Canadian Basketball League, is also a translator, and player development assistant with the New York Liberty. Zhang has been a valuable support in Han’s WNBA journey, helping her navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and working with her to refine her game on the court.

Zhang’s unique perspective as a professional basketball player that grew up in China and the United States has made him an invaluable resource for Han. His deep understanding of the game’s nuances in both cultures and his ability to communicate fluently in both English and Chinese allowed him to bridge the gap for Han during her time with the New York Liberty. But his contribution extends beyond translation. Zhang’s guidance has supported Han in adapting both mentally and physically to the demands of the WNBA, helping her steadily improve her performance.

Navigating Cultural and Communication Barriers

When Han Xu joined the WNBA, she not only faced the challenge of competing at the highest basketball level but also had to adjust to a vastly different culture. Communication with teammates and coaches was a hurdle, and Han often found herself struggling to understand the tone and context of interactions on the court. This is where Zhang’s role became especially important. He didn’t just translate words; he helped Han navigate the cultural subtleties of the game and life in the U.S.

Zhang’s experience growing up in the Chinese basketball system gave him a deep understanding of the challenges that players like Han face when transitioning to the United States, especially a league as competitive as the WNBA. He worked closely with her to interpret her team dynamics and her coaches’ expectations. More importantly, he helped her understand coaches’ expectations of her from each game, and how her teammates communicated, whether they were offering encouragement or constructive criticism.

Developing Mental Resilience

Beyond language, Zhang played a supportive role in helping Han strengthen her mental resilience. As a young player in a foreign country, Han sometimes questioned whether she truly belonged in the WNBA. Having gone through similar challenges, Zhang understood this mindset all too well. He coached Han not just on basketball techniques but also on building her confidence and trusting her abilities.

One of the key adjustments Zhang implemented was helping Han slow down her game. Han tended to rush her movements, especially when under pressure. Zhang reminded her she was a valued team member and didn’t need to hurry to prove herself. He designed drills that forced her to take her time, make thoughtful decisions, and play at a pace that worked for her. This shift in mindset significantly improved her efficiency on the court.

Targeted Skills Development

Zhang’s approach wasn’t limited to mental coaching; he spent hours with Han in the gym, addressing specific areas of her game that needed improvement. He recognized that Han often struggled with catching hard passes during fast-paced games. To address this, Zhang introduced drills that focused on strengthening her hand-eye coordination and improving her ability to handle quick, controlling passes. He threw difficult, off-target passes during their workouts to simulate the intensity of real games, preparing her for the high-speed nature of the WNBA.

Additionally, Zhang worked with Han on her decision-making process. She had a habit of pre-determining her moves before catching the ball, which often led to missed opportunities. Zhang helped her develop the ability to read the defense in real-time, teaching her to react to what was happening on the court rather than sticking to a predetermined plan. This adjustment made Han more versatile and unpredictable, allowing her to capitalize on more scoring opportunities.

As a professional player himself, Zhang had the opportunity to step on the court and practice with Han. He often played alongside her during these sessions, using his understanding of her tendencies and strengths to set her up for success. Zhang consistently found her in pick-and-pop situations and created open shot opportunities for her, helping elevate her performance in practice. This improvement ultimately led to Han earning more opportunities during games.

Success on the World Stage

Zhang’s support during the 2022 WNBA season contributed to Han reaching career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. But her growth didn’t stop there. Han’s improved performance in the WNBA translated to success on the international stage. She played a pivotal role in helping China secure a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA World Cup and was selected to the World Cup All-Star Five team. Her confidence on the court was undeniable, and much of it can be traced back to the work she and Zhang put in during the WNBA season.

Zhang’s influence continued through the 2023 season, during which Han and the New York Liberty won the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and the Eastern Conference Championship. Han also went on to win multiple gold medals with Team China, including at the 2023 Asian Games and the FIBA Asia Cup, she was named 2023 FIBA Asia Cup MVP. These accomplishments highlight the progress Han made with Zhang’s guidance.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

While Zhang’s work with Han Xu has been impactful, his passion extends beyond individual success stories. He is dedicated to giving back to the next generation of basketball players, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Zhang understands the power of mentorship and the importance of building confidence in young athletes, both on and off the court.

He is committed to using his knowledge and experience to inspire young players, teaching them not only the fundamentals of basketball but also how to navigate the challenges of life. By sharing his story and the lessons he has learned throughout his career, Zhang hopes to empower more youth to pursue their dreams and use basketball as a tool for personal growth.

The Impact of Behind-the-Scenes Work

Zhang’s work with Han Xu serves as a powerful example of the impact that behind-the-scenes mentors can have on an athlete’s career. His ability to provide both technical and emotional support has been key to Han’s success in the WNBA and beyond. Zhang’s role may not always be in the spotlight, but his contributions have been instrumental in shaping Han into the confident, skilled player she is today.

As Han continues to excel on the court, Zhang’s influence remains a vital part of her journey. Through his dedication and expertise, he has not only helped Han achieve her premier season yet but has also laid the groundwork for continued success in her future endeavors.

Published by: Holy Minoza