Officially Departed! Farewell, Zhang Zhenlin’s Mother! A New Era for China’s Women’s Basketball Begins

A major shake-up has just hit Chinese basketball. Wang Fang, the team leader of China’s women’s national basketball team, has officially stepped down.

Her departure comes after a rollercoaster tenure, during which China’s women’s basketball team experienced some of its greatest highs and most crushing lows. Under Wang Fang’s leadership, China secured silver at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, won the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, and took home gold at the 2023 Asian Games. However, their shocking early exit in the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics led to intense scrutiny and, ultimately, a major shake-up within the team.

Wang Fang follows in the footsteps of Zheng Wei, who had already been relieved of her coaching duties, and now, former China men’s national team head coach Gong Luming has taken over the women’s team.

But let’s be real—for many fans, Wang Fang is just as well-known for something else entirely: being the mother of Zhang Zhenlin.

Wang Fang: A Powerful Figure in Chinese Basketball

Wang Fang’s influence within the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has long been undeniable. As a highly respected figure, her departure marks a significant turning point for the women’s national team.

Yet, because of her position, her son, Zhang Zhenlin, has also found himself at the center of heated debates. Some critics argue that his success in the CBA and the national team has been influenced by his mother’s high-ranking status, while others believe that his achievements speak for themselves.

Zhang Zhenlin: Talent or Nepotism?

Zhang Zhenlin has been one of China’s most promising forwards in recent years. A key player for the Liaoning Flying Leopards, he played a crucial role in their three-peat championship run, proving himself as a cornerstone of the team.

In the national team, however, things are getting much more complicated.

Due to injuries, Zhang has missed significant time this season, appearing in only seven games during the second phase of the CBA campaign. His stats? A career-low across the board:

• 11.9 points per game
• 2.7 rebounds
• 4.3 assists
• 1.1 steals
• 35.6% FG / 27.5% 3PT

While he remains an untouchable piece in Liaoning’s lineup, his role in China’s national team is now in serious jeopardy. With the rise of Zhu Junlong and Zeng Fanbo, two young forwards who dominated at the 2023 Asian Games, Zhang Zhenlin may soon find himself coming off the bench for Team China.

For someone used to being a focal point, that’s a huge shift. But as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. If Zhang wants to silence his doubters, he’ll have to let his game do the talking.

The Infamous “Listen to Your Mother” Incident

Zhang Zhenlin’s rise to stardom has not been without controversy.

In recent years, chants of “Tīng mā mā de huà” (“Listen to your mother”) have echoed through CBA arenas, a direct jab at his connection to Wang Fang. The situation escalated when MCs from both Sichuan and Xinjiang teams openly mocked Zhang’s relationship with his mother, ultimately costing them their jobs.

But let’s be clear—no one can step onto the court and play in Zhang’s place.

His defensive versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability have been crucial for Liaoning’s success. No matter who his mother is, he’s had to earn his spot through hard work.

Still, the stigma remains. And with Wang Fang now stepping down from her leadership position in the CBA, Zhang Zhenlin will finally have the chance to prove, once and for all, that he belongs on merit—not family connections.

A New Era for China’s Women’s Basketball

Wang Fang’s resignation isn’t just about Zhang Zhenlin—it’s about a major shift for China’s women’s basketball team.

For years, under her leadership, China’s women’s team was a powerhouse in Asia, often challenging the world’s best. However, their disastrous Olympic campaign in 2024 exposed deep flaws that could no longer be ignored.

Now, Gong Luming steps in with a daunting challenge ahead.

Can he restore China’s dominance in women’s basketball? Will the team rebuild and come back stronger for the next Olympic cycle?

One thing is certain—the Wang Fang era is officially over, and a new chapter has begun.