WNBL: Jackson calls Xu 'one of the best ever imports'

Australia's greatest-ever women's basketball player, Lauren Jackson, has witnessed countless incredible athletes play in the WNBL during her time.

From Suzy Batkovic, who claimed six WNBL MVPs, to two-time MVP winners Penny Taylor and Rachael Sporn, to famous imports Kia Nurse and Jordin Canada, the Australian competition has been lucky enough to have so many stars grace its courts.

Now five-time Olympic Games medallist Jackson believes Australia's oldest women's professional sports competition has another equivalent superstar on its hands.

She alludes to Chinese superstar Han Xu, who made her WNBL debut for Perth against Canberra in Round 7, who tallied 22 points, four rebounds and two blocks in the Lynx's 24-point victory.

"She's a global superstar. She's not just been a superstar in her own country, but a global one [and has been] for a number of years," Jackson said.

"She's definitely one of the best imports that we've ever had, and most recognisable for sure. There's no doubt in my mind.

"A lot of people are so excited to have her here and to see her play and I can't wait to see what she can produce particularly in front of her home crowd in Perth this weekend.

"Especially after the great start she made last week. Her height and presence in the paint, combined with her ability to move well and shoot from the outside is amazing and it's going to be fun to watch as the season progresses."

Jackson also knows the impact Xu will have for the competition goes further than the wins and losses column.

"She'll have a big impact on the WNBL, as she's one of the most recognisable faces in women's basketball globally," Jackson said.

"Her experience in FIBA and the world game and what she's been able to achieve is amazing. To be able to bring that here to Australia and play in our league, on our shores, is going to draw a lot of attention, which is fantastic and really exciting."

Having used the WNBL as a launch pad to the WNBA herself, much like current stars Jade Melbourne and Steph Talbot, Jackson expressed how thrilled she was that Xu chose to use the revamped WNBL.

"For a long time, we've had a lot of great athletes come from overseas and compete in our league," she said.

"It's really exciting to have someone of Han's calibre now want to come and play.

"It's definitely a feather in the cap of the people that got her here, adding to the incredible buzz around the WNBL in its first year under the new ownership.

"It's great she's been able to find a team that suits her style and have embraced her."

It's not just the club who's embraced the 211cm star, with the crowds and fans also following suit.

Shown by Xu's debut game attracting one of the biggest crowds of the 2025-26 campaign.

"[The interest and support for Han] is really incredible," Jackson said.

"You see with women's sport, people tend to sort of follow an athlete.

"People want to see an athlete and an icon and she is, she's an icon.

"She is going to draw crowds and draw that bit of intrigue. It's super exciting for the WNBL."

Xu's first home game in Perth is this Friday, as the Lynx host the Flyers from 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN2 and 9Now.