The FIBA Basketball World Cup is less than two months away. Thirty-two teams from all over the world will gather in China to compete for one of the top honors in the basketball world. China's center Zhou Qi, a hopeful for the country's national team, is ecstatic about the upcoming event.
"I am very excited, very excited for the start of the competition and for the fans to see basketball's finest in China competing against each other," said Zhou. "All the elements are here for the FIBA World Cup China 2019 to be a fantastic tournament."
Chinese fans are also looking forward to the World Cup, not only because some of the world's best basketball players will come to China but also because the Chinese national team will be playing this year after missing out in 2014.
The Chinese men's national basketball take photo before the game against Tunisia at the FIBA Stanković Continental Champions' Cup in Shenzhen, China on July 23, 2019. /VCG Photo
"I think that we are doing pretty well, and we have some very good veterans and some young guys that are impacting the team and showing that Chinese basketball has good days coming ahead," said Zhou.
China as the host are in Group A with Poland, Venezuela and Côte d'Ivoire. Although being one of the eight seeded teams has helped China avoid meeting tough opponents like USA, France, Australia and Serbia in the first group stage, making it out of the group will still be difficult.
"It's a great group, and every team can go to the next round, in my opinion," said Zhou. "We are very motivated, very enthusiastic for the start of the tournament and to face those very good national teams. We won't take anything for granted; we will play with a lot of intensity in order to go to the next round."
Zhou Qi #15 of China dunks against Tunisia at the FIBA Stanković Continental Champions' Cup in Shenzhen, China on July 23, 2019. /VCG Photo
Though Zhou is only 23 years old, he is already one of the most experienced players on the Chinese roster. His combination of speed, height and shooting-range puts him in an advantageous position.
The best record China ever had at the World Cup (World Championships) was making the quarterfinals in 1994 in Toronto, Canada.
"Our fans are going to be fantastic as usual, and they are definitely our sixth man. They have our backs, no matter what, and that gives us extra energy to compete, with our country and fan base with us. We play for the whole country, for every Chinese fan and to make all of the country proud," said Zhou. "I am proud to wear the national team jersey every time I am called to compete with the team."