ESPN Produces Short Film on Brittney Griner’s Life in China, WCBA

Brittney Griner in one of the most recognizable women’s basketball players the game has ever seen, and standing at 2.03 meters tall (6-8) the Texas native does certainly stand out among a crowd of people.

While the former Baylor University star is contracted to play professionally in the United States with the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association, she has also taken the same route as many other women’s basketball players by taking her game overseas to earn more money compared with what they receive in the U.S. league. Currently she is signed with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association.

Having played in the league last season, the 23-year-old got her first taste of life outside of her comfort zone in the United States. She was not only exposed to a different type of training and style of play on the court, she was also exposed to an entirely different culture and way of life unlike any other.

ESPN the Magazine earlier this year wrote a feature story on the ups and downs of Griner’s life in the Middle Kingdom. Now, that feature story has been made into a short film.

In “Brittney Griner: Lifesize,” viewers follow Griner’s journey from playing her first season in the WNBA to making the transition over to the WCBA. It shows her struggles being away from her family in Texas to adjusting to her new surroundings in Hangzhou. Like many foreigners who have come to China for the first time, Griner tries to adjust to all things new to her, with food being the main issue as the film often shows her love for pizza, burgers and candy. Away from that it also goes in depth about her relationship with her coach and teammates.

It is rare for outside media to get access to a Chinese team, but the filmmakers do a good job in not only making the film solely focused on Griner, but everything that surrounds her.

The short film is well-made and one that should not be missed.

Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

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ESPN: WNBA Star Brittney Griner Adjusts to Life in China