Chinese star joins Phoenix

THE NBL’s Asian connection continues to grow with Chinese international centre Zhou Qi choosing the South East Melbourne Phoenix as his best pathway back to the NBA.

Drafted by the Houston Rockets at pick 43 in the 2016 NBA draft, the 216cm big man has been a regular Chinese national team member since making his debut in 2014.

In a deal hailed by Phoenix officials as “monumental”, Qi has agreed to a two-year deal, the second year as a player option.

The 25-year-old has already built a solid resume, winning a CBA championship title in 2017, a FIBA Asia Cup championship in 2015 and a gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games with the Chinese team.

The Chinese star believes the NBL is the perfect launch pad to reinvigorate his NBA career.

“I’m excited to be joining the South East Melbourne Phoenix, I felt my best chance of getting back to the NBA was to join the Phoenix,” said Qi, who played 19 NBA games with the Rockets between 2017 and 2019.