The 2024 Games of the Olympiad commenced this weekend and the Los Angeles Sparks have various athletes participating and not just representing the United States. Yueru, a substitute center for the Sparks, is currently competing for China at the Olympics and she delivered an impressive performance in the initial match of the group stage against Spain. After the game, the head coach of the Sparks, Curt Miller, utilized social media to share his reflections on Yueru’s outstanding performance.
“Despite falling short in the first match at the Olympics, Yueru showcased an exceptional performance,” stated Curt Miller in his social media post. “Yueru makes a notable impact on games.” Miller’s post was also adorned with clapping hands emojis.
Spain narrowly defeated China, 90-89 in overtime, in their initial Olympic match, but Yueru delivered one of the most stellar performances thus far. She concluded the game with a game-leading 31 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot. Her shooting stats included 9-of-16 from the field, 1-of-1 from the three-point range, and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line.
Yueru achieved the second highest scoring accomplishment for Chinese women’s basketball, following only Zheng Haixia according to Sparks PR. Haixia held the record with 32 points during the 1998 Olympics. Haixia also represented the Sparks for two seasons in 1997 and 1998.
Yueru’s 15 rebounds marked the third highest in Women’s Chinese basketball in Olympic contests. The highest was clinched by Chen Nan with 17 rebounds during the 2008 Olympics, followed by Haixia’s 16 rebounds in the 1996 Olympics. Yueru debuted for the Chinese national team during the 2021 Olympics.
Yueru is one of four Sparks athletes partaking in the Olympics. Hamby is competing for Team USA in 3×3 play, Nurse represents the Canadian national team, and Talbot is playing for the Australian national squad. Curt Miller, alongside Cheryl Reeve, is operating as a scout for the Women’s Team USA basketball.
Li Yueru – a pivotal figure for the Sparks’ upcoming plans
Post the Olympics, Li Yueru will make her way back to the Sparks for the latter half of the 2024 WNBA season. This marks her second season in the WNBA. Originally picked by the Atlanta Dream as the No. 35 overall selection in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she didn’t make her WNBA debut until the 2022 season.
Before the onset of the 2022 WNBA season, the rights for Yueru were traded from the Dream to the Sparks in a transaction that also brought Chennedy Carter to Los Angeles. Subsequently, the Sparks redirected Yueru’s rights to the Chicago Sky in a sign and trade deal for Lexie Brown. Yueru made her debut for the Sky during that season.
Yueru did not feature in the 2023 WNBA season and later was traded back to the Sparks along with Julie Allemand in exchange for the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Throughout this season, Yueru has participated in 22 games, including two as a starter, with an average playing time of just over 12 minutes per game. Her statistics include averaging 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting at percentages of 49.3% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 87.5% from the free-throw line.
Beginning this season as the backup center, Yueru was then promoted to the starting lineup briefly after Cameron Brink sustained a torn ACL, before moving back to a substitute role.
Image Source: Li Yueru’s Instagram
