(East LosAngeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: In more pre-season transactions, the Sparks have recently signed Guard, Yang Liwei, a member of the Chinese National Team, and recent competitor in the 2022 FIBA World Cup Tournament. Team CAO/GM, Karen Bryant and new Head Coach, Curt Miller have been finding the best available talent possible in preparation for the expected new and exciting season that is forthcoming.

Liwei becomes the second Chinese player to ever compete for the Sparks. There should be no doubt whatsoever that the local Chinese and Chinese-American communities will be coming out to Crypto.com Arena to give Liwei great support in her new endeavor here in our City of the Angles, Los Angeles, CA.

Here is the Sparks’ press announcement that will give you more information about her career and her thoughts on signing with the team.

Sparks Sign Chinese Guard Yang Liwei

(LOS ANGELES ) – The Los Angeles Sparks announced on 2/19, the signing of Chinese guard Yang Liwei. She becomes the second Chinese-born player to suit up for the Sparks, joining Zheng Haixia, who was drafted by the Sparks in 1997.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring Li to LA,” said Sparks CAO & GM Karen Bryant. “She adds quickness, athleticism and international experience to our current roster.”

Yang most recently participated in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where she played in eight games, holding averages of 9.3 points, 3.9 assists and 1.6 rebounds. She helped lead her team to a silver medal finish shooting 46.5% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc.

“Liwei is an outstanding and respected international guard with big game experience,” said Head Coach Curt Miller. “She will bring us tremendous energy and enthusiasm on the court.  She is a terrific leader on the Chinese National Team and we look forward to that leadership impacting our locker room.”

In her most recent season with Inner Mongolia, the four-time WCBA All-Star averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 19 games. During those 19 games she also shot a career-best 61.4% from the field, including 40.4% from deep and 81.1% from the free throw line. Prior to her time at Inner Mongolia, Yang played 10 seasons in Guangdong, including two seasons with Nneka Ogwumike in 2014 and 2019.

“I am so excited to join the LA Sparks this season,” said Yang. “I am ready to fight for my team and my teammates.”