China center Zhou hopes more Chinese players move abroad

CANBERRA - Looking forward to playing in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) soon, Chinese center Zhou Qi says he would like to see more Chinese players playing abroad.

"The chance [to play overseas] is valuable for one to improve," Zhou told Xinhua in a recent interview after arriving in Australia to begin a two-year stint with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Zhou, 25, made his debut with the Chinese national team in 2014. He signed with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2017 and played as a center.

He returned to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the 2019-20 season where he averaged 20.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, according to statistics from the Phoenix.

Discussing the NBL, Zhou said his overall impression was one of "fierce confrontation".

"It seems that their style is slightly changing," he added. "The pace is now faster. So I have to give full play to my speed advantage so as to adapt quickly."

After signing the deal, Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said Zhou, at 2.16 meters tall, whose skill set is something the club hasn't had before, can help the team cement their position at the top of the NBL this year.

Zhou revealed that the Phoenix outfit had given him a lot of support, including visa processing and flight coordination, which made him feel at home.

"I will try to show my best form in the new season," he said.

Zhou's goal is to improve himself as much as possible in the coming matches. Compared to his NBA experience, he believes he is likely to get more chances in Australia. "Playing in the NBL is a good opportunity to maintain and improve my form," he said.

The new season starts in December, meaning Zhou will have to get up to speed soon.

"This is not the first time I have gone overseas, so mentally I can prepare quickly," he said.

After his 14-day quarantine, Zhou will be left with only around 20 days to prepare for matches. "How to physically get ready is a big challenge."

Currently confined to a hotel in Melbourne, Zhou said he would do strength training every day inside his room and try to maintain his condition.

There had been reports that Zhou would like to return to the NBA, although the player replied that his focus is on the present. "I would like to see a steady improvement in myself, both in terms of skill and physical confrontation," he said.

As one of the key players in China's national team, Zhou said that before coming to Australia, he made it clear when negotiating his contract with the Phoenix that he must be able to return to China whenever he is needed by the national team.

"If the national team needs me, I have no hesitation in going," he said.