Rebecca Cole says Han Xu’s arrival gives Geelong the confidence to pressure ball handlers all season
Geelong signs WNBL26 Defensive Player of the Year Han Xu.Rebecca Cole says Xu’s rim protection transforms the Venom’s defence.Chinese guard Wanglai Zhang also joins Geelong’s revamped backcourt.
Two-time WNBL champion Bec Cole declared one thing was certain for the Geelong Venom in WNBL27 – its perimeter defence will be ultra-aggressive after the signing of Chinese superstar centre Han Xu.
WNBL26 Defensive Player of the Year Xu, 26, joined the Venom yesterday after anchoring Perth Lynx’s run to last season’s Grand Final Series against Townsville.
Xu, who is 2.11m, is a back-up centre for the New York Liberty in WNBA 2026 alongside Australians Rebecca Allen and development player Anneli Maley – Xu’s former Lynx teammate.
“Han Xu is a world-class player, and her experience in the WNBA, on the international stage, and in the WNBL is invaluable,” Cole told basketball.com.au in an exclusive interview.
“Having that kind of defensive shot blocker behind us gives our backcourt so much confidence to play aggressively.
“We’re building something really special here at Geelong, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the team.
“Her presence on the floor at both ends of the court is going to change the entire game for us.
“I can’t wait for the pick-and-roll game, throw up a few lobs, and run the court with her this season.
“To be a part of a team and a game where she brings so many fans is going to be something super special, and I can’t wait to be a part of it with the Geelong community.”
Han Xu of the New York Liberty blocks a shot by Washington Mystics centre Shakira Austin during a WNBA game at Barclays Center on June 20, 2026 (AEST). Rebecca Cole says Xu’s elite rim protection will allow Geelong Venom to adopt an ultra-aggressive defensive style in WNBL27. Photo: Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images
Shooting guard Cole, 34, who hosts It’s a Cole World on basketball.com.au, signed with the Venom after seven years with the Dandenong Rangers / Southside Melbourne Flyers. She won a WNBL championship with the Flyers in 2024.
Cole has scored more than 3,000 points in her more than 250-game career.
She also led the Waverley Falcons to the 2024 NBL1 National Championship, winning the Grand Final MVP, but didn’t suit up in WNBL25, instead spending time in the commentary box and hosting It’s A Cole World.
Rebecca Cole: Five Fast FactsTwo-time WNBL champion with Southside FlyersNBL1 National Champion and Finals MVP (2024)WNBL All-Star Five selection (2019)AIS graduate with more than 15 years’ professional experienceRepresented multiple Victorian clubs across WNBL, NBL1 and Big VRebecca Cole: Career Highlights Timeline2009: Commenced AIS scholarship2012: Signed first WNBL contract with Bulleen Boomers2018: Joined Dandenong Rangers (Southside Flyers)2019: WNBL All-Star Five; Runner-up MVP2020: First WNBL Championship2022: Joined Waverley Falcons (NBL1 South)2024: WNBL Champion; NBL1 National Champion; Finals MVP
On the same day Geelong revealed it had secured Xu, it also announced the signing of 32-year-old Chinese star guard Wanglai Zhang to bolster a backcourt led by Maddi Rocci.
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Source: basketball.com.au
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