China’s Zhou Qi shortlisted for NBL’s Best Defensive Player award, as he continues to make his mark Down Under
- Zhou Qi has averaged 4.3 blocks per game and stood out in his last match against Sydney Kings with 13 rebounds and five blocks
- The former Houston Rockets and Chinese national team rep has been named player of the game in twice in the early into the season
Zhou Qi continues to make his mark on Australia’s National Basketball League.
Just four rounds into the season and Zhou has been shortlisted for the NBL’s Best Defensive Player award, alongside veteran Will Magnay and Orlando Magic guard Tahjere McCall, who is making waves with the Cairns Taipans.
In his relatively short time with South East Melbourne Phoenix, “King Qi” as he is called by fellow Phoenix teammate Mitch Creek, has been named player of the game twice – the latest being against Sydney Kings where he recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds.
“We might have to start a new statistical category for ‘shots altered’ as well because [Zhou] Qi would fill that up every single night,” NBL said on its website. “It must be a nice feeling being a guard on the Phoenix to know that if you get beat on the perimeter, Qi has got your back.”