He’s Back! China's Top Big Man Returns to Action with a Four-Year Max Contract

The long wait is finally over—China’s premier center, Zhou Qi, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the court for the Beijing Ducks in the second phase of the CBA season. Known for his dominant presence in the paint, Zhou is expected to be a game-changer for Beijing, a team already dominating the league standings in his absence. This year, he returns with a new four-year D-class max contract, positioning him as one of the CBA's most valuable players. Zhou's impact could be transformative, and the ripple effects across the league may very well threaten Liaoning's bid for a fourth consecutive championship.

Zhou Qi’s Last Season and Departure from Guangdong

Last season, Zhou Qi showcased his skills with the Guangdong Southern Tigers, posting averages of 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 27.8 minutes per game, with an outstanding field goal percentage of 63.1%. Zhou was an essential asset during the playoffs, nearly halting Liaoning's championship streak. His impressive performances underscored his reputation as the league’s most dominant homegrown center, and his ability to influence games at both ends of the court remains unparalleled.

However, after a stellar season, Zhou made the surprising decision to depart from Guangdong. The offseason saw a wave of speculation around his future, but he ultimately committed to Beijing with a four-year max contract. Yet, due to an injury, Zhou has been sidelined for the entirety of the season's first phase. Fans, eager to see him return, have humorously dubbed him a “VIP spectator,” as he's been seen courtside watching his new team climb the rankings.

Beijing Ducks’ Dominant First Phase Performance

The Beijing Ducks have proven formidable this season, currently leading the league with a 9-1 record despite Zhou’s absence. The team’s only loss came at the hands of the Jilin Tigers. This impressive run is largely due to the contributions of key players like Chen Yingjun, who also joined Beijing in the offseason. The skilled playmaker has been vital, averaging 10.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, adding a new level of sophistication to the Ducks' offense.

Defensively, Beijing is setting the standard in the league. Their defensive efficiency of 103.8 is unmatched, and their ability to generate quick offense off stops has been crucial, with an average of 21.9 points per game on fast breaks—leading the league by a wide margin. With Zhou Qi’s imminent return, Beijing’s rebounding and interior defense are expected to improve significantly, making them an even more formidable opponent.

Zhou Qi’s Unique Role and Impact on Beijing’s Title Aspirations

Zhou Qi’s skill set as an agile 7-footer gives him a unique advantage in the CBA. Known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring efficiency, he is also capable of stepping out to hit mid-range shots, adding another dimension to Beijing’s frontcourt. Zhou’s presence allows Beijing to enhance their rim protection and dominate the glass, addressing key areas where they can further stymie opponents. His experience and stature in the league place him in a leadership role as well, particularly valuable as Beijing eyes both the CBA championship and a strong showing in the new Club Championship Cup.

Having reached near the top of the league with him still recovering, the Ducks have quickly emerged as Liaoning's most dangerous challenger. In their first clash during the preseason Club Championship Cup, Beijing prevailed 90-78, though Liaoning was missing their foreign stars and played with an all-Chinese roster. With Zhou Qi healthy, a full-strength Beijing-Liaoning matchup is expected to be nothing short of a blockbuster.

Zhou Qi’s Determination to Win the Club Championship and CBA Titles

The Beijing Ducks have their eyes set not only on the CBA championship but also on the newly created Club Championship Cup, with a lucrative reward of 2 million RMB. This ambitious new tournament, designed to pit China’s top teams against one another, has Beijing treating it with utmost seriousness. Even without Zhou, they fielded a nearly full-strength roster, showcasing their determination to come out on top. Other teams used the tournament as an opportunity to experiment and test younger players, but Beijing’s serious approach signals their hunger for titles on multiple fronts.

Beijing’s roster this year has a depth and versatility that makes them genuine contenders for both trophies. In addition to Zhou Qi and Chen Yingjun, the team boasts a well-balanced lineup with defensive and offensive options that can adapt to various styles of play. Zhou’s return will further enhance their ability to execute the defensive schemes that have made them a top-rated unit.

A League Altered by Zhou Qi’s Decision

Zhou Qi’s choice to join Beijing rather than stay in Guangdong has significantly impacted the CBA landscape, setting up new dynamics in the title race. Historically, Guangdong has been a powerhouse in the CBA, and his departure weakens their frontcourt and shifts the balance of power to the north. Fans and analysts alike recognize this as a "seismic shift," and with Liaoning's bid for a fourth consecutive title in jeopardy, the season ahead promises one of the most competitive races in recent years.

The stakes have also been raised as Beijing and Liaoning are on a collision course. Liaoning's veteran roster and championship experience make them fierce competitors, but with key injuries to stars like Zhao Jiwei and Zhang Zhenlin, they will face additional challenges. Liaoning’s lineup, though rich in talent, will need to overcome these setbacks, especially given Beijing’s momentum and the addition of Zhou Qi.

The CBA has seen some dominant big men, but Zhou’s return at this point in his career, coupled with Beijing’s ambition, adds a layer of excitement. It isn’t merely about one team or one player; Zhou’s move to Beijing speaks to broader trends in the league, including the increasing mobility of top-tier players and the intensifying competition among the top clubs.

Zhou Qi’s Legacy and the CBA’s Future

Zhou Qi’s influence extends beyond individual performance; he’s inspiring a new generation of Chinese basketball fans. His presence in the league elevates the status of Chinese players and brings heightened attention to the CBA from around the globe. Every season he plays in China rather than pursuing a position overseas strengthens the league’s reputation and gives fans a star to rally around.

As Zhou prepares to make his season debut, the CBA finds itself on the cusp of a pivotal season. The rivalry between Beijing and Liaoning has always been intense, but this year, it takes on even greater significance. If Zhou’s skill and presence propel Beijing to a title, it could signal the dawn of a new era where Beijing stands as a dynasty, challenging the long-standing dominance of southern powerhouses like Guangdong and Liaoning.

Fans can expect one of the most thrilling CBA seasons yet, with every matchup, every defensive stop, and every fast break adding to the narrative of a league on the rise. Zhou Qi’s return not only strengthens Beijing but also elevates the CBA as a whole, promising to captivate basketball enthusiasts across China and beyond.

As Beijing sets out to pursue both the CBA title and the Club Championship Cup, Zhou Qi stands ready to shape the league’s future in ways that will resonate for seasons to come. The battle for supremacy in Chinese basketball has never been more fierce, and with Zhou Qi leading the charge, the Beijing Ducks are ready to rise to the occasion.