Early Return for Phoenix Star

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

South East Melbourne centre Zhou Qi is expected to return to Australia earlier than initially expected according to the club

South East Melbourne centre Zhou Qi is expected to return to Australia earlier than initially expected, after the club released a statement saying he could be available for its clash with the Breakers on October 15.

Qi, who was initially expected to arrive in the country on October 16, re-signed for the Phoenix just days before the start of the new season.

“He’s excited to join the team, and be back where he feels comfortable,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer told Phoenix Media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??’? ????! ?<br> <br>Zhou Qi returns to the Phoenix and completes our roster for the NBL23 season ? <a href="https://twitter.com/officialzhouqi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@officialzhouqi</a> <br> <br>? Story: <a href="https://t.co/iM8UU1URHF">https://t.co/iM8UU1URHF</a> <br>? Memberships: <a href="https://t.co/dmbWOdPGfh">https://t.co/dmbWOdPGfh</a> <a href="https://t.co/OwwHNySznH">pic.twitter.com/OwwHNySznH</a></p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1574504125722951680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“After a good start to the season with a first up-win, getting Zhou into the lineup as soon as possible is a priority.

Qi will link up with a Phoenix side that already boasts plenty of talent in the post positions. New import Alan Williams starred in his first game for the club on Saturday, racking up 12 points and seven rebounds, while Dane Pineau marked a successful return from a persistent back injury.

Mitch Creek continued his dominance in the NBL while playing in the four position, and Grant Anticevich represents strong, youthful depth in the side.

Qi turned down reported interest from South East Melbourne’s cross-town rivals Melbourne United after initially electing not to pick up the second year of his two-year deal with the club. He then changed his mind and agreed to terms last week.

The former Houston Rocket averaged a touch over 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks per game in NBL22.