Tall Han Xu offers a potent mix in comeback to Liberty

Han Shu Returns to Liberty with New Determination

For the past two years, Han Shu has held on to a dream of being a fan of the Liberty. The chant “I want Han! I want Han!” kept resonating in her mind, a reminder of how much New York, a city she first visited at age 19, meant to her.

After being sidelined from the Liberty’s 2023 lineup, Han dedicated herself to improving her game while playing in both the Chinese and Australian Women’s Basketball Leagues. She focused on becoming stronger, enhancing her mobility, and learning how to handle the physical demands of the WNBA—all in hopes of returning to a city that embraced her.

“I really missed New York,” Han shared, reflecting on her journey. “It feels like home to me, and playing in the WNBA has always been my dream.”

She will showcase a more refined version of herself when she makes her debut on Saturday during the Liberty’s preseason opener against the Indiana Fever.

Interestingly, during her time away from the WNBA, Han grew two inches. Now standing at 6 feet 11 inches, she is the second-tallest player in league history, just behind Margot Dydek, who is 7-2. Her impressive wingspan also stretches out to 7-2.

“Have you ever seen a 6-foot-11 player dribble and move like she does? It’s incredible,” mentioned Anneli Mailey, a teammate from Australia’s WNBL. “She’s one-of-a-kind and works tirelessly. Honestly, it feels like she can do anything. Her potential is immense.”

Han recently wrapped up a noteworthy season with the Perth Lynx, earning accolades for her defensive prowess. She led the league with an average of 2.2 blocks per game, along with 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, all contributing to her team’s strong 16-4 record.

“I’ve definitely gained confidence in my defense,” Han noted, eager to prove her skills again. “I want to show everyone what I can do.”

From what reporters have observed during practice, Han appears more confident and agile. Her shooting accuracy has improved, and her teammates are taking note of her progress.

Jonquel Jones, who played alongside Han in the Chinese Women’s Basketball Association a couple of years back, remarked on her versatility. “She’s always been effective for her height. With her speed and ability to take open shots, she can score in various ways.”

Last season, the Liberty faced some challenges with their frontcourt depth due to injuries. Key players like Nyara Sabally and Brianna Stewart faced significant time away from the court, leaving a gap that Han’s arrival could fill. Her skills will complement the new system being implemented by Chris DeMarco.

While DeMarco hesitates to label his new approach as “positionless,” he acknowledges the potential of a lineup featuring both Han and Jones.

“She’s a smart player with high basketball IQ,” DeMarco observed. “She knows when to score and is a solid passer as well. Her athleticism really stands out, and it’s impressive to see how much she has developed since her last stint here.”

Now at 26, Han can’t help but joke about feeling older. Yet, she steps back into the Liberty with a new sense of experience and confidence—a combination that can prove to be formidable.