By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
For many years, Yao Ming was keeping China on top of Asia. Since then and despite the presence of Yi Jianlian, China still looks for Yao’s heir.
And while Zhou Qi will not go down to the basketball history books the same way that Yao did, his presence remains intimidating.
Try to imagine a 2.18-tall player who moves with unusual grace for his size and can be a defensive wall under the rim.
Now open your eyes and see him…
Tai chi or block?
Both for Zhou Qi!!!! #NothingElseMatters #WinForAll #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/2TkgG0ocFx
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 14, 2023
Maybe practicing Tai Chi helps, but talent was never missing for Zhou Qi, opening the door to the NBA in 2017. And despite being just 27 years old, he made his senior national team debut almost a decade ago, in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
A charismatic defender, a two-time gold medalist with China in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and in the 2018 Asian Games, he has the chance for one more run, which will start with a huge challenge.
China will have to face Serbia, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan in the first round with the goal of making it to the second round.
It will not be easy, but no matter what it will be a historic matchup for the Chinese national team which is being coached by Serbian legend Aleksandar Djordjevic.
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The addition of such a respected name in FIBA basketball proves beyond any doubt the Chinese ambitions.
On the court, however, it’s up to the players and Zhou Qi not only has the pedigree but a chance for redemption.
After playing only nine games last season in the Australian NBL and then returning to China for family reasons, the former NBA player needs to reassert himself on the big stage.
It’s like Tai Chi, or maybe in the words of Bruce Lee “flowing like water” in order to complete the circle of two opposites situations.
Simply put, that means it’s time for Zhou Qi to rise…
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL