Official Signing! 36 Points, 14 Rebounds to Replace Zhou Qi? The True Dominant Center Joins Liaoning

Liaoning Flying Leopards have made a significant addition to their roster by officially signing Chier Achuil, a move that could dramatically bolster their quest for a fourth consecutive CBA title. Upon landing in China, Achuil wasted no time and immediately began recovery and adaptation training under the guidance of assistant coach Hugo and trainer Wallace. This move demonstrates Achuil's dedication and work ethic, setting the tone for his tenure with the team. Shortly after Achuil's arrival, Liaoning officially announced the signing, solidifying their intent to compete at the highest level next season.

Achuil's CBA Return: A Familiar Face With Proven Skills

Achuil is not new to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played in the 2022-23 season with the Nanjing Tongxi Monkey Kings, where he quickly made a name for himself as a versatile and dominant force. He averaged 18.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, including a remarkable 36-point, 14-rebound performance, a clear display of his potential to take over games. His inside presence, shot-blocking ability, and scoring efficiency made him a standout performer in his first stint in China.

After his season in the CBA, Achuil returned to the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia, where he continued to impress, averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during the 2022-23 season. His consistent performance earned him a spot on the All-NBL First Team, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier big man. Achuil’s return to the CBA, now with Liaoning, has sparked excitement, as fans anticipate the boost he will provide to an already strong roster.

The Rivalry with Zhou Qi: A Showdown of the CBA's Best Big Men

One of the most exciting aspects of Achuil's signing is the potential head-to-head battles between him and Zhou Qi, one of the CBA's premier centers. Zhou recently signed with the Beijing Ducks after leaving Guangdong, and his presence in the league once again positions him as a key figure in any discussion of dominant centers in China.

The rivalry between Achuil and Zhou Qi has been brewing for some time. Both players competed for the title of the best big man during their time in the NBL, where their matchups were electric. Achuil, with his aggressive play, powerful dunks, and fierce shot-blocking, consistently challenged Zhou’s more refined, defensive-oriented style. Each time they faced off, it was a contest of athleticism and skill, with each player trying to one-up the other.

Now, with both players back in the CBA, this rivalry will resume, much to the delight of basketball fans across China. Every Liaoning vs. Beijing game will be circled on the calendar, as Achuil and Zhou Qi face off in what promises to be some of the most competitive and thrilling battles in recent CBA history.

Zhou Qi’s Decision Opens the Door for Achuil

Liaoning was reportedly interested in acquiring Zhou Qi this offseason, but due to financial constraints and other factors, they were quickly out of the race. Zhou ultimately chose to sign with the Beijing Ducks, citing personal reasons, including family considerations. Had Zhou joined Liaoning, it is likely the team would not have pursued Achuil.

Some fans have joked that Achuil should thank Zhou Qi for not joining Liaoning, as it opened the door for him to step in as the team’s new starting center. Of course, the biggest sign of respect will come from Achuil’s performance on the court, where he will have the opportunity to prove that he—not Zhou—is the true top big man in the CBA.

Beijing’s Summer Moves: A Formidable Opponent

While much of the focus has been on Zhou Qi’s move to Beijing, the Ducks have made several key acquisitions this offseason that position them as a top contender for the championship. In addition to Zhou, Beijing also signed star point guard Chen Yingjun, a CBA All-Star and one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league.

Chen’s arrival, combined with Zhou Qi’s defensive dominance, has made Beijing a legitimate threat to Liaoning’s pursuit of a fourth straight title. The matchups between Liaoning and Beijing next season will be must-watch games, with both teams boasting deep, talented rosters. These games will be about more than individual matchups like Achuil vs. Zhou; they will be full-team battles, with each side looking to assert its dominance on both ends of the floor.

Liaoning’s Foreign Players: A Championship-Caliber Trio

Achuil isn’t the only foreign player Liaoning is counting on for the upcoming season. The team also signed Marial Shayok, who played for Shandong last season. Shayok averaged 19.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, establishing himself as a versatile scorer who can contribute in multiple ways. His addition provides Liaoning with a dynamic offensive option on the perimeter.

In addition to Shayok, Liaoning brings back Kyle Fogg, their Finals MVP from their recent championship runs. Fogg has been a crucial part of Liaoning’s success in recent years, known for his ability to deliver in clutch moments and lead the team through tough playoff battles. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team looks to defend its title.

With Achuil, Shayok, and Fogg, Liaoning’s foreign trio is one of the most impressive in the league, and all three players have already proven they can excel in the CBA. This experience gives Liaoning a distinct advantage, as they won’t need to worry about their foreign players adjusting to the style of play in China—they’ve already shown they can thrive.

Yang Ming’s Challenge: Championship or Bust

While Liaoning has assembled a roster that is built to win, the pressure now falls squarely on head coach Yang Ming. Anything less than a championship will be seen as a failure for a team with this much talent. Achuil’s arrival, along with the other key signings, means that the expectations have never been higher.

Yang Ming has proven he can lead the team to championships, but the challenge of maintaining focus and intensity throughout an entire season is immense. With veteran leaders like Guo Ailun and Han Dejun still on the roster, Yang Ming will need to find the right balance between veteran savvy and the energy of younger players like Zhang Zhenlin, who continues to develop into one of the top forwards in the league.

Achuil’s Impact: More Than Just Replacing Zhou Qi

Achuil’s role on Liaoning will go beyond simply filling the void left by Zhou Qi’s absence. He brings a unique set of skills that could help elevate the team to new heights. His defensive presence in the paint will give Liaoning a formidable shot-blocker, and his rebounding ability will ensure that the team controls the boards on both ends of the floor.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Achuil has shown he can score in a variety of ways. While his inside game is his bread and butter, he also has the ability to step outside and knock down mid-range shots. This versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams and gives Liaoning a potent inside-out attack.

Perhaps most importantly, Achuil’s energy and toughness will be crucial in the playoffs, where physicality and effort often determine the outcome of games. His