‘Big Liu’ will be a tall order for Bullets’ opposition to contain

THE Brisbane Bullets have secured the tallest player in NBL history – 226cm Chinese international centre Chuanxing Liu, or “Big Liu”.

Liu has signed under the league’s Special Restricted Player provision, allowing the Bullets, and the NBL, to continue to build on strong relationships in the FIBA Asian region.

He is a member of the Chinese national team, having played in this year’s Olympic qualifying tournament and Asia Cup qualifying tournament.

The 24-year-old most recently played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Qingdao Eagles, averaging 9.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, and shooting 66 per cent from the field during the season.

As the Eagles’ starting centre, his output increased to 17.5ppg and 13rpg and 2.5 bpg during the playoffs, while he was also selected to play in the 2021 CBA All-Star Game.

His offensive efficiency and ability to be a defensive deterrent in the paint will bring an extra dimension to the Bullets’ roster.

Liu knows he still has plenty to learn as a professional basketballer, but he hopes to use Brisbane and the NBL as a platform to bigger things.

“I know this will be a challenge for me, but I will give it 100 per cent effort, starting with every practice, and earn my chance to help the team win games,” Liu said.

“I know that I’m lacking many things in my game to play at a higher level and want to use this season and every practice to get better and ultimately be able to help my national team China win games in the FIBA competition.”

Bullets general manager of basketball Sam Mackinnon was enthusiastic about having Liu on board.

“Securing 7’5 Big Liu gives us a player like no other in the NBL and the ability to play a variety of different styles, which we know will be difficult for other teams,” he said.