Chinese Star Lands in Melbourne

Zhou Qi is back on Australian shores to represent the South East Melbourne Phoenix and according to the man himself he’s ready to make an immediate impact.

Despite initially being slated to land next week, Qi has arrived in Melbourne early in order to hit the ground running with his side after only re-signing with the Phoenix in the final week of pre-season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">? ???? ?? ?? ????! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/officialzhouqi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@officialzhouqi</a> spoke to the media earlier today after he landed in Melbourne ?<br><br>? Get your tickets for Saturday ??? ?? <a href="https://t.co/RLWq21gB0m">https://t.co/RLWq21gB0m</a> <a href="https://t.co/uhhxLFbl4p">pic.twitter.com/uhhxLFbl4p</a></p>&mdash; South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1579345866217127936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“That’s why I came back a few days early, just to jump on the court with the boys and make some chemistry happen,” Qi told Phoenix Media.

“I’m very excited to join the team again, and hopefully we’ll make something happen this year.

“I’ve watched the last few games the guys have played, and I’m looking forward to meeting the new guys and jumping on the court with them.”

South East Melbourne CEO Tommy Greer was part of the travelling party who met Qi at the airport yesterday.

He says he’s excited to see what Qi will add to the existing group of players.

“Any time you bring in the best Chinese basketballer in the world, that’s going to help the roster,” Greer said.

“Obviously the whole team and the entire Phoenix fanbase is excited to have him back here in Melbourne and representing the Phoenix.

“[I’m] looking forward to seeing how he re-connects with the group and fits back in. I’m sure it won’t take him long to get back with a handle on things, so we’re looking forward to getting him on court tomorrow.

While Qi is available to suit up and take on the Breakers this weekend, Greer has stopped short of promising an appearance from the big man.

“We’ll see how his body reacts to him landing today,” he said.

“We’ll get him through his medical, get him on court and then we’ll see how we go from there.”

Qi averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and two blocks a game in his first season in the NBL. 

The Phoenix take on New Zealand on Saturday, October 15 at John Cain Arena.