On May 1, Beijing time, Zhou Qi arrived in China, according to the latest news from the sports media "Chinese Basketball", Zhou Qi returned to China today, and then began to quarantine. From the photos of the airport that were posted, it can be seen that Zhou Qi covered himself tightly at the airport, not only wearing a mask according to the rules, but also putting on a hat. If it is not too eye-catching in height, everyone may not really find Zhou Qi, which can be said to be very low-key.
This season, Zhou Qi traveled to Australia to play in the NBL League, and Zhou Qi played for the Southeast Melbourne Phoenix. However, Zhou Qi showed a situation of high and low, and at the beginning of the season, Zhou Qi played a dominant force, and various blocks were at his fingertips. Unfortunately, in the middle and late stage of the season, Zhou Qi's competitive status began to decline, which also affected Zhou Qi's data. This season, Zhou Qi played a total of 24 games for the Phoenix, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, and the average playing time per game was fixed at 21 minutes.
Now, the Phoenix team missed the playoffs, Zhou Qi has also started his own vacation, and it is understandable to return to China. According to the contract details signed by the two sides, the contract signed by Zhou Qi and the Phoenix team is a "1+1 contract", and the second year is the player option, which also allows Zhou Qi to control his future. Will Zhou Qi return to Australia next season or stay in the CBA? Judging from the competitive state presented this season, Zhou Qi's return to the CBA may be better, and it feels like he has gradually lost his core position in the Australian League.
This season, the main reason why Zhou Qi will go to the Australian League to play is that Zhou Qi has previously had a stalemate with the CBA Xinjiang team. In the end, Zhou Qi chose to join the NBL Phoenix team, with an annual salary of about 4 million yuan. In fact, this annual salary is indeed a little less than Zhou Qi's CBA career. But Zhou Qi still insists on playing in the Australian League, which also shows his attitude, and Zhou Qi is also playing a big game, hoping that the Australian League can become a springboard and strive to return to the NBA League.
In fact, Zhou Qi wants to return to the NBA League for a reason, after all, in the NBA, he has the opportunity to play a higher price, and at the same time, he can also get more exposure for Zhou Qi. But unfortunately, Zhou Qi's performance this season can only be said to be decent, and it did not help the Phoenix to advance to the playoffs. Not only that, Zhou Qi's average of 11.6 points per game is not too eye-catching. If you want to return to the NBA, Zhou Qi's average score in the Australian League should reach 20+, which can win more chips for Zhou Qi.
In summary, Zhou Qi may return to the CBA league in the new season. After all, in the Australian NBL League has not been reused, there is currently no NBA team to throw an olive branch to Zhou Qi. Perhaps, the CBA league is more suitable for Zhou Qi. If Zhou Qi really decides to return to the CBA League, which team do you think he will join? Feel free to leave your thoughts!