Chinese center Zhou Qi to play overseas in NBL

Zhou Qi left China to play against Thon Maker of Australia in a Group B match of the FIBA World Cup AsianWorld Cup Asian qualifiers in Melbourne, Australia on June 30, 2022. BAI XUE XINHUA SYDNEY Chinese center Zhou Qi returned to the NBL for another season with South East Melbourne Phoenix, Australia's National Basketball League announced on Tuesday.

The Chinese big man showed improvement every week after taking much of the last season to get his fitness to the point where he could handle the pace of the NBL, according to the Phoenix. ALSO READ: Agent: Chinese center Zhou Qi to play overseas in new season.

Zhou played well in World Cup qualifiers this summer and averaged 15 points and 12.7 rebounds in his three appearances at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.

"We feel the NBL will see more of his talent on display this season," said Tommy Greer, Phoenix CEO.

The Australian club also revealed that Zhou will join the team on October 16 and is expected to play their away game against the New Zealand Breakers on October 20.