With New York Liberty, Xu plays two to three games a week. It’s a busy schedule, but one she wouldn’t trade for anything. “When I’m playing, I just give everything I’ve got,” she says. “I don’t think about anything else. I focus entirely on the game and am just locked in. At the same time, I also want to execute the game plan that the coach has put in.” She receives treatment every day to ensure she’s recovering properly and also lifts regularly with her strength and conditioning coach.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Xu averaged 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in just 15 minutes a game. Despite the accolades though, it was the experience of representing her country that meant the most to her and now, Xu is looking to bring her best for China (currently ranked seventh in the world after FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments) once again at the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Australia. Taking place from 22 September through to 1 October, the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup will draw twelve of the strongest basketball nations to Australian shores, with teams battling it out at Sydney Olympic Park all in an effort to take home the coveted world title. “I’ll go back to the national team where we’ll be more focused on running the plays and all the systems, trying to get back into it,” says Xu about her World Cup preparation. “Right now, I’m just focusing on improving my all-round game; my passing, defence, rebounding, scoring and just trying to improve all aspects.”
Source @womenshealth.com.au: Read more at : womenalive.org
