Chinese basketball star Zhou Qi commits to one more year in Australia, signs deal with SEM Phoenix
- Fully fit centre had been tipped for a return to the NBA, with LA Clippers touted as possible landing spot
- But after months of uncertainty, his return is a big boost to the domestic league’s profile
South East Melbourne are expecting big things from Chinese star Zhou Qi after the fully fit centre decided to return to the National Basketball League on a one-season deal.
The former Houston Rockets seven-footer’s return, after an off-season of uncertainty, is a huge boost to the Australian league’s profile given his star status in his native China.
Zhou had toyed with the idea of returning to the NBA, and was linked with a move to the LA Clippers, while the Australian club side removed him from its website amid rumours officials were looking to replace him.
But now he has opted to return to Victoria, and the Phoenix are tipping the rim protector to flourish after a debut season spent feeling out the league.
“Zhou really enjoyed his time in Melbourne, he loved the city and he loved the Phoenix fans,” Tommy Greer, the Phoenix CEO, said.
“We feel the NBL will see more of his talent on display this season, a year in the NBL system will see him better placed to deal with the way fouls are called and the way the game is played.”
Despite being new to the league, Zhou still averaged 11.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last season, but showed his true influence with a 16-point, 17-rebound effort against the Australia national side for China in July.