From Mini Hoop to Asian Games: Chan’s Impressive Basketball Journey to Hong Kong National Team

Written by Emmanuel Athletics Intern Juliana Cimino

BOSTON - Emmanuel College Women's Basketball standout Yannie Chan continues to impress with her talent, stamping her ticket to the 19th playing of the Asian Games in China. The freshly turned 22-year-old forward is set to compete at the highest level she possibly can for her native city of Hong Kong. 

Chan started playing basketball when she was about 10 years old and has come a long way since then, putting up some impressive numbers for Emmanuel and now heading to the Asian Games, which occur every four years like the Olympics.

"When I started playing basketball, it was just for fun. I just liked dribbling the ball. There was a mini hoop at my house that my mom bought for me, and I would just shoot around. I always knew I had a passion for the sport, and I always wanted to challenge myself to be a better version of myself," said Chan. "I'm glad and lucky to be able to come here and also represent the national team. I'm very grateful for the whole journey and everything basketball has given me." The Hong Kong native's basketball career has been nothing short of amazing.  

Chan has played for the senior national team since she was 18, so she has been practicing with the squad for a while now. Based on how one performs, they can be selected for the Hong Kong National Team, which is exactly what Chan did.

"I got the chance to come here to study, so they asked me if I'd be able to leave for two weeks and step away from school and basketball season. I talked to professors and confirmed that it was okay," explained Chan. "I went back home for a month during the summer, and the coaches checked to see if I really fit the team. I've known the coach for a few years, and she knows how I've been doing here at Emmanuel, so she asked me last summer."

Chan's talent has been easily recognizable for the Saints throughout her first two seasons. The forward has stuffed the stat sheet in many categories throughout her career so far at Emmanuel. In 25.5 minutes per game in the 2022-2023 campaign, Chan averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 steals.  

The Asian Games are another addition to her lengthy player resumé, especially at just 22-years-old. Chan already has a lengthy list of accomplishments including the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Player of the Year as well as All-Conference First Team and D3hoops.com All-Region honors in the 2022-23 season.  

"This is my first time participating in the Asian Games, and it's the highest level the Hong Kong National Team can get to, so I'm very excited about it," explained Chan. "In Hong Kong, we treasure this opportunity a lot and look at this as the most important games for us, so it's definitely going to be an eye-opening experience for me since we're playing against some of the top Asian women's basketball teams, like Japan and the Philippines. I'm going to learn a lot from it, and this is going to be a good experience for my future too."

A huge opportunity for Chan, she is looking forward to competing despite some nerves. 

The 12-hour time difference between Boston and Hong Kong is "going to be a little tough", so she hopes to adjust quickly to perform at her best. Chan is grateful for the opportunity and for those at Emmanuel for allowing her to take the time away to compete. The forward said, "Representing Hong Kong is one of my big bucket list items. Whenever the introduction says I'm from Hong Kong, I'm always proud of being a women's basketball player and athlete from Hong Kong."  

She does not want to stress too much heading into the tournament and just wants to give it her all whenever she gets the chance.  

"I want to take this opportunity and try to perform at my best to prove to myself that I can compete with players at the high international level and prove that I belong there. I also don't want to put too much pressure on myself, but I'll try my best and give 100% every time I step on the court."

Participating in the Asian Games will help Chan prepare for her upcoming junior season with the Saints in a number of ways. Not only does she see the tournament as beneficial to herself but also an experience to share with the Emmanuel roster.

"I think the physicality and the game speed at the international level is going to be high. I think with this experience, I'm going to get a little bit more confidence," said Chan. "I'll be able to use what I learn from the game personally and maybe even share that with my Emmanuel teammates." Chan and the rest of the Saints look to have another great season, having made it to the GNAC Championship last year. 

The first matchup Chan and her teammates will play in is against Japan on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 3:30 AM ET. To follow the forward and the rest of the Hong Kong National Team throughout the tournament, click here.