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Sparks sign veteran guard Yang Liwei from China

China's Yang Liwei elevates for a layup against Puerto Rico's Mya Hollingshed during a FIBA Women's World Cup game.
China’s Yang Liwei drives down the lane for a layup against Puerto Rico’s Mya Hollingshed during a FIBA Women’s World Cup game in Sydney on Sept. 26, 2022.
(Mark Baker / Associated Press)
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The Sparks added veteran guard Yang Liwei to their roster, the team announced Sunday. Terms of the signing were not disclosed.

Yang, 28, is coming off a season with Inner Mongolia of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Assn. in which she averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 19 games. She shot a career-best 61.4% from the field, including 40.4% from three-point range, and 81.1% from the free-throw line.

The 5-foot-9, four-time All-Star recently helped China take the silver medal at the FIBA Women’s World Cup, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 assists and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and 50% from deep.

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“Liwei is an outstanding and respected international guard with big-game experience,” Sparks coach Curt Miller said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

Added Sparks general manager Karen Bryant: “She adds quickness, athleticism and international experience to our current roster.”

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