Zhou Qi to lead China Red’s challenge in Asian Games

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01:20

With just over three weeks to go until the Asian Games in Jarkata, the China Red basketball team is busy preparing for the quadrennial event in Indonesia.

Core player Zhou Qi returned from playing in the NBA's summer league where the Houston big man was in good form and averaged 12 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, even earning praise from some higher-ups in the Rockets' hierarchy. Zhou's target now is to help China succeed in Indonesia.

“To be honest, I had some worries before going to the NBA Summer League. I spent most of my time in the NBA G League, and had to run on both sides. So my training was dispersed and did not have a full period of concentration,” the ace basketball player said.

“About my performance in the G League, I think I became more stable mentally after getting used to the rhythm playing there, and could find better ways to solve the problems on court. After one year, I have matured mentally and can perform better than before.”

Zhou Qi of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 11, 2018, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. /VCG Photo

Chinese Basketball Association Chairman Yao Ming came to watch the red team train. His experience in the NBA has helped Zhou become more mature. As Yao also played for Houston during his career, they had lots to talk about. Yao encouraged the young star to play calm.

Zhou mentioned, “I need to be different, both on and off the court. I have talked with Chairman Yao who understands because he only came second in the Asian Games and I only came in fifth place. I will do my best to help us become champions.”

Zhou's most important duty now is obviously getting ready for the Asian Games with the national team. China came fifth at the 2014 edition in Incheon, their worst result ever. The China Red center hopes he can help the team do much better this time in Jakarta.