A Chinese professional basketball player who has played in the NBA and internationally, known for his impressive skills and athleticism on the court.
Zhou Qi is a name synonymous with Chinese basketball, a towering figure who has left an indelible mark on the sport in his homeland and beyond. As a professional basketball player, he has been a regular member of the China men's national basketball team since 2014, winning gold medals in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and the 2018 Asian Games.
Zhou's journey to stardom began at the Fuxin Basketball School in 2005, where he honed his skills and soon became a hot prospect. At just 15, he led China to an unlikely youth team title in Turkey at the TBF International Under-16 Tournament in 2011, putting up an impressive 41 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks in the semifinal win over Germany.
In 2014, Zhou left his boyhood team, the Liaoning Jaguars, to join the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, although he was unable to play for Xinjiang until the 2014-15 season due to being underage. When he finally took the court, he quickly proved himself as a dominant force, averaging 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks in 28.2 minutes per game at the 2012 Albert Schweitzer Tournament.
In 2016, Zhou entered the NBA draft and was selected 43rd overall by the Houston Rockets. He played a total of 19 games across two seasons with the Rockets before being waived in 2018. Although his NBA stint was short-lived, it marked a significant milestone in Chinese basketball history, paving the way for future generations of Chinese players.
Zhou returned to the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) soon after his NBA stint. In 2021, he joined the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), further expanding his horizons and experiences.
Zhou's impressive resume includes a gold medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and the 2018 Asian Games, as well as being a regular member of the China men's national basketball team since 2014. He has also been named the CBA's Young Player of the Year and has won the CBA Best Bloc[ker] award multiple times.
As one of China's most celebrated basketball players, Zhou continues to inspire a new generation of players and fans alike. With his impressive skills, dedication, and passion for the game, the future looks bright for this towering figure of Chinese basketball.
Zhou Qi's remarkable journey is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and passion for the game. As he continues to soar to new heights, his impact on Chinese basketball and beyond will be felt for generations to come.
46 Years Old
A dominant center in the NBA, known for his impressive skills on the court and cultural impact as a Chinese player in the American league.
49 Years Old
A former NBA point guard who played 13 seasons, leading the New York Knicks to the playoffs in 2004 and earning two All-Star selections. He's also known for his post-NBA career in China, where he became a beloved figure and won a championship.
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First Asian American to play in the NBA, known for his sudden rise to fame and inspiring underdog story.
60 Years Old
A dominant defensive center in the NBA, known for his shot-blocking ability and iconic finger wag celebration after rejecting opponents' shots.
49 Years Old
Chinese professional basketball player who became the first player from the People's Republic of China to play in the NBA, playing for several teams including the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers. He is also a three-time Chinese Basketball Association champion.
50 Years Old
A Chinese Inner Mongolian professional basketball player who played in the NBA and Chinese Basketball Association, known for being one of the first Chinese players in the NBA.
