Zhou Qi comes back to National Games after training

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Zhou Qi might be the next face of Chinese basketball.

The 21-year-old helped Xinjiang win the CBA title this past year, which helped him land a contract with the NBA's Houston Rockets, the squad that drafted him two years ago.

After a summer of working out with his new team in the US, the lanky center is back, this time suiting up for his provincial squad of Liaoning, and looking to help them win their first championship in more than 50 years.

Zhou Qi, Chinese basketball player, performs at court. /CFP Photo

Having won the opening game against Tianjin, the next test for Zhou and his Liaoning teammates was Jiangsu. Here he showed off impressive defensive skills.

"I tried my best on the defense. We discussed how to defend certain players, and which tactics we should use. For me I need to defend the entire game," said Zhou.

Zhou was drafted to the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), but he came back home to compete and show basketball fans in Tianjin city just why he could be the next biggest Chinese Star on the hardwood.

Zhou Qi, Chinese basketball player, talks to teammate‍. /CFP Photo

Zhou helped Xinjiang win the CBA title for the first time last season, and with his Liaoning team here, he hopes to win another championship before embarking on his career in the US.

113km