How Aliyah Boston helped defend top 2027 WNBA Draft prospect, tallest FIBA women's player

BERLIN — Against the 15 potential opponents in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the United States matches up favorably in size and strength with every team – except one. China presented a unique challenge for the U.S.: Zhang Ziyu, the 19-year-old, 7-foot-3 center, a top prospect in the 2027 WNBA draft who according to FIBA is the tallest player to appear in a women’s event. The U.S. challenge was compounded by the sudden absence of four-time WNBA Most Valuable Player and three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year A’ja Wilson, whose withdrawal from the tournament was announced just four days before the first game, leaving a large gap in the U.S. frontcourt depth. A new generation of U.S. post players was left with the imposing task of limiting a once-in-a-generation challenge. “Her ability to use her size and score the ball [is what stands out],” said the 6-5 Aliyah Boston , who shouldered much of the work. “She has great touch around the basket. Han, a 6-8 veteran, scored 20 points against the U.S. in the 2018 tournament.

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