China’s Zhou Qi hailed as ‘jewel in the crown’ of Australian basketball as Melbourne Phoenix clinch third straight win
- Three games into the new season and Zhou Qi has earned his first player of the game award
- Phoenix head coach Simon Mitchell says Zhou is such a good player that referees need to adjust to him
Just three games in and China’s Zhou Qi is already making his mark on Australia’s National Basketball League, with coach Simon Mitchell hailing him as its “jewel in the crown”.
The former Houston Rocket got his first player of the game nod after dunking his way to a game-high 22 points, leading South East Melbourne Phoenix to a thrilling 94-86 win over Melbourne United on Sunday.
The Chinese star showed what an asset he will be to Phoenix, with a devastating all-round performance. NBL said Zhou’s inside presence at both ends of the court was key to his side’s victory.
“A fierce game and a victory from teamwork. Better and better in each match,” Zhou wrote on social network Weibo after the match.
His three games with Phoenix have not come without some frustration over Australia’s style of refereeing. Zhou had four fouls against United and three against the New Zealand Breakers during Friday night’s game, some that left him throwing his hands up in frustration.