Four-Year Max Contract! Zhou Qi Announces Retirement Plan, Set to Reclaim Role as China's Basketball Anchor

At 28 years old, Zhou Qi, one of the most prominent figures in Chinese basketball, has shared his vision for retirement in a recent interview. Known for his resilience both on and off the court, Zhou’s ability to handle immense public scrutiny with humor—most famously through his self-deprecating “egg-filled pancake” meme—has endeared him to fans while showcasing his mental toughness.

Last summer, Zhou made a high-profile move by departing the Guangdong Southern Tigers to sign a four-year maximum D-class contract with the Beijing Ducks. However, this season has been marred by injuries that have prevented him from returning to peak form. In the nine games he’s played so far—seven as a starter—Zhou has averaged 24.4 minutes per game, contributing 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks on an efficient 55.8% shooting. While these numbers highlight his enduring quality, many believe that a fully healthy Zhou Qi remains the undisputed top center in Chinese basketball.

The Road to Redemption: February’s Asian Qualifiers

As Zhou Qi works toward regaining his form, the basketball community eagerly anticipates his role in the upcoming third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February. China will host Japan on February 20 before traveling to face Guam on February 23.

The stakes are high, particularly against Japan. The Chinese team suffered a narrow 73-76 loss to Japan in the first window of the qualifiers, a game Zhou Qi missed due to injury. His absence was keenly felt, given his past dominance against the same opponent. In a prior FIBA World Cup Qualifier matchup, Zhou tallied a staggering 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in just 20 minutes, asserting his status as an unmovable force in the paint.

Japan, however, has grown stronger with the addition of naturalized players like center Josh Hawkinson, raising the challenge for Zhou and Team China. Nevertheless, China’s interior depth, bolstered by talents like Hu Jinqiu and young prodigy Yang Hansen, remains a strong suit.

Concerns Beyond the Paint

While the frontcourt looks solid, China’s backcourt presents a more pressing issue. Injuries have ravaged the team’s guard rotation, with Hu Mingxuan confirmed to miss the qualifiers due to a shoulder injury and Zhao Jiwei playing through lingering physical ailments.

Other capable guards, such as Lin Wei and Sun Minghui, have shone brightly in domestic competition but continue to be overlooked by head coach Guo Shiqiang, a decision that has sparked frustration among fans and analysts. With these challenges looming, the Chinese backcourt is under significant pressure to step up and deliver.

Zhou Qi: Still the Key to Success

Despite concerns surrounding the guard position, Zhou Qi’s role as the team’s anchor cannot be overstated. His combination of scoring, rebounding, rim protection, and leadership will be critical in countering Japan’s rising threat. The February showdown is not just a basketball game—it’s a high-stakes battle carrying the weight of national pride, redemption, and mounting expectations.

Reflecting on Zhou Qi’s Legacy

As Zhou Qi approaches the twilight of his career, his impact on Chinese basketball is undeniable. From dominating local leagues to representing China on the international stage, Zhou has consistently been the cornerstone of his teams. His ability to rise to the occasion, even under immense pressure, has made him a symbol of resilience and determination.

With a four-year max contract and his retirement plan in place, Zhou Qi’s focus is now firmly on the present—leading China back to basketball supremacy and reclaiming his place as the nation’s top center. Whether he can guide the team to a resounding victory against Japan remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Zhou Qi’s story is far from over, and his legacy continues to unfold with every game he plays.

The February qualifiers will be a defining chapter not just for Zhou Qi but for the future of Chinese basketball. Will he once again prove himself as the pillar of the national team, or will the challenges ahead demand a collective rise from the entire roster? Fans wait with bated breath for the answer.