He's Back

After an off-season of will he or won’t he, Zhou Qi has confirmed he is returning the Heartland.

Zhou is committed to the Heartland and will return after signing a one year deal. The Chinese superstar will again be patrolling the paint at both ends of the Fire Pit.

After taking much of last season getting his fitness to the point where he could handle the pace of the NBL, the Chinese big man showed improvement every week.

Four dominant performances in the World Cup Qualifiers, including 16 points and 17 rebounds against Australia, left Phoenix fans wondering what could have been, the Heartland needs to wonder no more as NBL23 will provide those answers.

(Zhou Qi dunking the ball last season.)

"Zhou really enjoyed his time in Melbourne, he loved the city and he loved the Phoenix fans," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said. "We feel the NBL will see more of his talent on display this season, a year in the NBL system will see him better placed to deal with the way fouls are called and the way the game is played."

Zhou will join the Phoenix on October 16 in time for their away game against the New Zealand Breakers on October 20. His first trip back to the Fire Pit will be to take on the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday October 22 at 5.30pm.

Tickets for Round 1 - CLICK HERE

Phoenix Media (27/09/2022)