Mentally tougher Team China developing into a more versatile outfit on the world stage, reckons coach Zheng

Fresh from leading China to its first FIBA Women's Basketball Asia Cup title in 12 years, coach Zheng Wei is keen to keep her side's triumph in perspective.

However, she admits that many aspects of her injury-hit team's run to glory in Australia show it is becoming a much tougher and resilient force on the biggest stages.

China beat archrival Japan, the winner of the previous five editions of the Asia Cup, 73-71 in the final on July 2. The victory delivered Team China its first trophy in the tournament since 2011, and followed its runner-up finish at last year's FIBA Women's World Cup, which also took place in Sydney.

"Mentality played a key role in our winning performance this time," Zheng told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

"After what we experienced at the World Cup, we have become more tenacious. Although we encountered some difficulties before and during the Asia Cup, we are maturing by battling through these situations," said Zheng.

Overcoming adversity

With several players missing through injuries, Zheng admitted she "never expected to win the title".

"When we assembled for our Asia Cup preparations, we were without eight players that we had at the World Cup," Zheng recalled.

China's primary goal at the Asia Cup was to secure a top-four finish and thereby book a spot in the qualifying tournament for the Paris Olympics.

"Many things were uncertain at that time, as we didn't have all our players available during our preparations. After arriving in Sydney, we finally had our complete Asia Cup roster," said Zheng.

China's confidence had taken a hit due to losses in warm-up games in Europe to Belgium, Spain, and France, all semifinalists at this year's FIBA Women's EuroBasket.

"Continually losing definitely hurts your confidence and mentality as you doubt whether you can overcome this. But at the same time, our reserve players gained experience against those strong sides," Zheng said.

"But after we arrived in Sydney, we didn't have enough time to reflect on our losses as the Asia Cup was just around the corner."