Lanlan, Taiwan's Cheerleading Queen, Goes Global! From Her Viral WBC Tears to the 'Bread Philosophy' Courtside – What's Her Surprising Connection to the Turkish League and the Brooklyn Nets?

Recently, the hearts of people all across Taiwan were captivated by the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Beyond the players' fierce determination on the field, it was the raw emotion of a cheerleader courtside that caught the international spotlight via broadcast cameras. We're talking about Lanlan from the Rakuten Girls. During that crucial Japan-Taiwan game, the camera caught her with hands clasped and eyes tightly shut in prayer. That moment of pure devotion and tension was instantly infectious, and the world began sharing this "beautiful sight from Taiwan." In that instant, Lanlan was no longer just a favourite among Taiwanese fans; she became a global talking point.

Talking about the tension that day, veteran fans will surely remember that incredible, game-changing hit. The moment the ball was struck, everyone leaped up, ready to celebrate. Lanlan, courtside, clenched her fists, her eyes welling up. But then, the umpire signalled it was foul. In that split second, Lanlan's face cycled from hope to disappointment, completely undisguised, making everyone watching on TV feel her heart sink. This girl's genuine emotion was more dramatic than the game itself.

But here's something you might not know: even though baseball brought Lanlan to the world's attention this time, the character 'Lan' (籃) in her name, which means 'basket', might have already destined her for a deep connection with basketball. Many assume she only loves baseball, but in her private life, Lanlan is a true basketball fan, following leagues from the US to Europe, and even the college basketball scene.

The Secret Superfan Courtside

In her downtime, Lanlan loves nothing more than curling up at home to watch various basketball broadcasts. She once joked with friends that if she ever stopped being a cheerleader, she might become a basketball commentator. Here’s a glimpse into Lanlan's personal basketball interests, which she can talk about with genuine insight:

• Brooklyn Nets: Lanlan has been following the Nets since Jeremy Lin's days with the team. Although Lin has moved on, she still makes it a habit to wake up in the middle of the night to watch their games. She says watching the star players' flashy offensive plays is "more thrilling than watching a movie."
• UConn Huskies Men's Basketball Team: As someone deeply moved by team spirit, Lanlan is particularly fascinated by traditional powerhouses in the NCAA. UConn's gritty playing style and their legendary history in college basketball make her heart race every time she watches them play during March Madness.
• Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: This one's a bit more niche. Flipping channels late one night, Lanlan stumbled upon a EuroLeague game and discovered that the tactical play and movement in European teams are completely different from the NBA—more refined, like an art form. She particularly enjoys watching top-tier European guards, calling their rhythm and control the real textbook definition of playmaking.
• National Basketball League (NBL): Besides the top-tier leagues, Lanlan also keeps an eye on highly physical leagues like Australia's NBL. She feels the players there have a particularly tough style; you can almost feel the intensity of the physical battles through the screen.

The Courtside 'Bread Philosophy'

By now, you must be wondering about the 'bread' mentioned in the title. Here's the story: once during an Instagram live stream, Lanlan was watching a game while having a late-night snack. It just so happened that the game on screen was from the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and she was holding a freshly baked artisan loaf. A friend jokingly commented, "Flying Turkish Airlines to watch the game in Europe, pairing it with European bread—now that's authentic!" From that day on, whenever Lanlan eats while watching basketball, fans ask if she's enjoying her ritual of "EuroLeague with bread."

Lanlan has grown to love this inside joke. She says that during tense games, holding onto a chewy loaf, kneading it, and taking a bite really helps ease the nerves. She even seriously recommends that everyone, no matter which league you're watching—be it the Brooklyn Nets' highlight plays, the nail-biters featuring the UConn Huskies men's basketball team, or the physical battles of the NBL—pair it with a nice piece of bread to instantly elevate the whole viewing experience.

From the praying girl of the WBC to the secret superfan curled up on her sofa late at night watching basketball leagues from around the world, Lanlan proves in her own way that when you have a passion for sports, you don't have to choose between baseball and basketball. So next time you see Lanlan cheering on the baseball diamond, remember she might have just spent the previous night catching a replay of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game, with half a baguette still in her hand.