Star Big Man Re-Signs at Phoenix

Four days out from their first game of NBL23, the South East Melbourne Phoenix have secured perhaps their biggest signature yet, with Zhou Qi returning for a second season.

The 216-centimetre Chinese star played 24 games last year, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and two blocks.

It looked as though the 26-year-old could depart the club in the offseason, but he’s now set to re-join Mitch Creek, Ryan Broekhoff and a cast of new faces, as the Phoenix look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign. 

Qi dominated in the Asia Cup qualifiers in June and July, with 16 and 17-point hauls across two games against the Australian Boomers. 

"Zhou really enjoyed his time in Melbourne, he loved the city and he loved the Phoenix fans," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer told the club’s website. 

"We feel the NBL will see more of his talent on display this season; a year in the NBL system will see him better placed to deal with the way fouls are called and the way the game is played."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Grown man move ?<br><br>Zhou Qi gets up and puts it down.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL22</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAusNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNAusNZ</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/SlCLePCXy3">pic.twitter.com/SlCLePCXy3</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1518150073397305344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Qi will join the Phoenix on October 16, in time for their away game against the New Zealand Breakers on October 20. 

His first game back at John Cain Arena will be against the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday October 22 at 5.30pm.