"So I really want to thank the Chinese Basketball Association for giving me the opportunity to play and develop outside the domestic league. The tougher environment is helping me to grow faster.

"The Asia Cup victory for Team China was a huge boost of confidence, and we carried that momentum into the Asian Games in Hangzhou. We were confident and well-prepared."

Li also heaped praise on her national teammates, including Wang Siyu who made the final shot to secure the Asian Games triumph.

"Many of our players are improving fast. Han Xu and I played in the WNBA last season, and I think Team China is benefiting from this. We are helping each other to grow, and we are trying to bring new energy to the squad," Li added.

After her busy season, Li said she would take a break after the Asian Games, and she is well aware of the bigger challenge that awaits — next summer's Paris Olympics.

"Fans now have high expectations of the Chinese women's team for the Paris Games. We are under pressure, of course, but we have to channel this pressure into motivation," she said.

"As for next season, I hope we'll see more Chinese women playing and developing their games in more competitive foreign leagues. The goal in Paris is a medal. And to achieve that we need to be focused, and we have to work on our weaknesses, so that we can gain some advantages ahead of the Games."