November 12, 2017
The 2017-2018 Chinese League will kick of their season on Monday November 13th with 14 teams vying to win the WCBA championship. China has been a very attractive destination for many American post players because of their lucrative salaries and shorter season. The Chinese League finishes in February where European seasons run into late April and in some countries May. Last season Sylvia Fowles won her second WCBA championship leading Beijing to a sweep of Bayi in the finals. Fowles Minnesota Lynx teammate Maya Moore won three championships while playing in China with Shanxi Flames in 2013, 2015 and 2015.
There are several new foreign faces that have joined the Chinese League this season. Jonquel Jones of the Connecticut Sun will make her debut for the Shanxi Flames. Jones had an amazing summer in the WNBA where she was named the league’s Most Improved Player and was also named to the All-Wnba Second Team. This will be her second season overseas. Last season Jones played in the Korean League where she lead her team Woori Bank to the 2017 WKBL championship and was named league MVP. Many are excited to see what she has in store for China.
WNBA All-Star and Seattle Storm Power-Forward Breanna Stewart returns to China for the second year in a row. Last season Stewart played for Shanghai where she averaged 31.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 2.5 assists and 2.3 steals until a knee injury ended her campaign early. Rightfully so Shanghai brought Stewart back this season with the hope that she will pick up where she left off. Tina Charles who averaged 35 points per game and led the WCBA in scoring last season for Sichuan will play for Xinjiang this season.
Also playing in China is Chicago Sky’s center Amber Harris who will suit up for Guangdong , Connecticut Sun Center Lynetta Kizer will play for Shandong. Also playing in China from Connecticut is Morgan Tuck. 2017 WNBA Champion Natasha Howard is playing for Zhejiang. Atlanta Dream’s Imani Boyette will play for Beijing until Sylvia Fowles arrives for the playoffs. Also from the Dream, Anika Henry is in China this season. Yelena Leuchanka who played several years in the WNBA will be playing for Sichuan.
Follow us as we cover the 2017-2018 WBCA season. Will Sylvia Fowles double up on a championship again this season?
2017-2018 WCBA Teams
- Zhejiang
- Beijing
- Bayi
- Shanxi
- Xinjiang
- Jiangsu
- Shandong
- Shenyang
- Sichuan
- Shanghai
- Guangdong
- Liaoning
- Shanxi
- Daqing
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