Li Meng (Chinese: 李梦; born 16 August 1990) is a Chinese professional basketball player who competes as a guard for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) and the Chinese women's national basketball team. She has represented China in multiple international competitions, including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the Asian Games.
Early life and education
Li was born in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. She began playing basketball at a young age and attended the Jilin Provincial Sports School, where she developed her skills under the guidance of provincial coaches. Details regarding her higher education are not widely documented.
Professional career
Li Meng began her professional career in the WCBA, joining the Guangdong Southern Tigers (formerly Guangdong Women’s Basketball Team) in the early 2010s. She quickly established herself as a leading scorer and playmaker, known for her perimeter shooting, ball-handling, and defensive tenacity. Over the course of her WCBA tenure, Li has consistently ranked among the league’s top performers in points per game and three‑point shooting percentage.
In 2022, Li entered the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft and was selected by the Minnesota Lynx in the third round (31st overall). She participated in the Lynx’s training camp but did not appear in regular‑season games. She subsequently returned to the WCBA for the 2022–2023 season.
International career
Li made her debut with the Chinese national team in 2012. She has been a regular member of the senior squad and has contributed to several notable achievements:
- 2018 Asian Games (Jakarta–Palembang): Gold medal; Li played a pivotal role in the team’s victory, averaging double‑digit points per game.
- 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo, held in 2021): Competed in the women’s basketball tournament; China reached the quarterfinals.
- 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (Sydney): Silver medal; Li was among the team’s leading scorers throughout the tournament.
- 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup: Gold medal; she contributed significant scoring and assists in the final series.
Li has been recognized for her clutch performances in international play, particularly her three‑point shooting in high‑pressure situations.
Playing style
Li Meng is characterized as a shooting guard with strong perimeter scoring abilities. She excels in three‑point shooting, mid‑range jump shots, and off‑ball movement. Defensively, she is noted for active hands and the ability to generate steals. Her basketball IQ and leadership on the court have been highlighted by coaches and analysts.
Awards and honors
- WCBA All‑Star selections (multiple years)
- WCBA Scoring Leader (2020 season)
- Asian Games Gold Medalist (2018)
- FIBA Women’s World Cup Silver Medalist (2022)
- FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Gold Medalist (2023)
Personal life
Li Meng maintains a low public profile outside of basketball. She is involved in youth basketball development programs in Guangdong Province and has participated in promotional activities for the WCBA.
See also
- Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA)
- China women's national basketball team
- List of Chinese women's basketball players
References
- FIBA official player profile, Li Meng.
- WCBA season statistics archives.
- Olympic Games official results, women's basketball, Tokyo 2020.
- Asian Games official results, Jakarta–Palembang 2018.