Thank You, Zhou Qi! 12 Shots to 20 Points! Finally Becoming the Starting Core…

After a long-awaited return, Zhou Qi made his season debut with a performance that has sent a clear message to the CBA and the basketball world: he’s back, and he’s ready to lead. In his first game since rejoining the Beijing Ducks, Zhou Qi didn’t waste any time reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best domestic big men in the entire league. Starting and playing 26 minutes, he shot an impressive 7-of-9 from the field, finishing with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block—showing that his presence inside is still as dominant as ever.

For Beijing, Zhou Qi’s return was more than just a personal triumph—it was the moment that allowed the team to truly look like a championship contender. With his size, skill, and defensive prowess, Zhou Qi’s impact immediately solidified the Ducks’ position as a team capable of challenging for the CBA title, particularly against the reigning champions, Liaoning, who have been the league’s standard-bearers in recent seasons. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the Ducks are hitting their stride, now fully healthy, and looking like a complete squad ready to take on the best of the best.

However, perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Zhou Qi’s return isn’t just the Beijing team itself, but his teammate Zeng Fanbo. The 20-year-old forward, who has been developing rapidly over the past couple of seasons, has found himself with more room to grow and shine. Zeng Fanbo’s strengths—his athleticism, ability to cut to the basket, and his three-point shooting—make him an ideal fit alongside Zhou Qi, whose presence in the post draws defenders and opens up space for others. In the first game since Zhou’s return, Zeng Fanbo was finally able to make his first start of the season, playing more than 30 minutes and contributing 20 points and 9 rebounds, with an efficient 7-of-12 shooting (including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc).

The performance was a significant milestone in Zeng Fanbo’s career as he continues to develop into a versatile player capable of making an impact at multiple positions. His 2.08-meter frame and natural skills as a forward suggest that he will likely evolve into a primary power forward, both for Beijing and potentially for the Chinese national team in the future. This change in role will allow him to maximize his 3D capabilities, combining shooting and defense, while hiding some of his weaknesses in ball handling. For Zeng, this is an exciting development. Moving to a full-time power forward spot will not only help him in the immediate future but could also benefit his long-term career aspirations, particularly if he still has dreams of playing in the NBA.

A Transformative Return for Beijing

Zhou Qi’s return marks a turning point for the Beijing Ducks, a team that had already been performing well but now looks poised to make a real run at the championship. The victory over Shenzhen—a solid 106-90 win—was a clear indication of what the team is capable of when it has all its pieces in place. The Ducks are now sitting pretty at 10-1, the best record in the league, and it’s clear that the addition of Zhou Qi to the starting lineup has made them a serious contender. His defense, rebounding, and scoring ability make Beijing not just a team to watch, but one that can legitimately challenge for the crown.

The league has been dominated by Liaoning, who have claimed the last few championships and are again a favorite to win it all this season. But Zhou Qi’s presence in the middle provides Beijing with the kind of firepower that could tip the scales. His ability to anchor the defense and score efficiently in the post, while also offering the ability to stretch the floor, provides a unique dynamic that Beijing has sorely lacked in recent years.

With Zhou Qi fully integrated into the team, the next question becomes: can Beijing take down Liaoning and dethrone them as champions? While Liaoning still boasts a powerful roster, including stars like Han Dejun and Guo Ailun, Beijing now has the talent to compete at the highest level. The return of Zhou Qi has already made them look more complete, and if they can continue to build on this momentum, they could be the team to watch for the rest of the season.

The Duo: Zhou Qi and Zeng Fanbo

The synergy between Zhou Qi and Zeng Fanbo is one of the most exciting developments in the CBA right now. With Zhou Qi drawing attention inside and acting as a rim protector, Zeng is free to focus on the things he does best: shooting the three-ball, cutting to the basket, and using his athleticism to get past defenders. Their complementary skills make them a dynamic pairing, and it’s clear that their chemistry on the court is only going to improve as the season progresses.

For Zeng Fanbo, being able to play alongside Zhou Qi provides an opportunity to grow and learn from one of the best big men in the league. With Zhou Qi pulling defenders inside, Zeng is able to get open looks from the perimeter and get better positioning for offensive rebounds. Additionally, Zeng’s ability to switch between positions, guarding both forwards and even some smaller centers, has allowed him to become a much more valuable asset for Beijing’s defense.

This combination of youth and experience is exactly what Beijing needs to continue its push for the title. Zhou Qi, with his international experience and all-around skill set, is the anchor in the middle, while Zeng Fanbo, with his growing talent and versatility, provides the team with the kind of dynamic energy they need on both ends of the court.

Looking Toward the Future: The NBA Dream

For Zeng Fanbo, Zhou Qi’s return offers more than just the chance to play with a dominant big man—it’s also an opportunity to showcase his talents to the rest of the world. With his size and skill set, Zeng Fanbo has long been considered one of the top Chinese prospects who could potentially make the jump to the NBA in the future. By continuing to develop as a power forward and sharpening his shooting and defensive abilities, he may eventually find himself on the radar of NBA scouts looking for versatile, athletic players who can contribute immediately.

Given that Zeng Fanbo has been primarily known as a small forward in the past, transitioning to a full-time power forward could increase his appeal to NBA teams who value players that can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. His continued growth and the exposure he gets playing alongside Zhou Qi will only further enhance his chances of reaching the NBA. If he continues on this upward trajectory, the future looks incredibly bright for the young forward.

The Road Ahead: The Quest for the Title

As the season continues, Beijing is clearly positioned as one of the top contenders. With Zhou Qi back in action, they now have a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run and challenge Liaoning for the title. But the path to the championship won’t be easy, as there are several other strong teams in the mix. However, with their dynamic duo of Zhou Qi and Zeng Fanbo, and a roster filled with capable role players, Beijing has every opportunity to make their mark on this season.

For Zhou Qi, his return to full health and his outstanding performance against Shenzhen is a reminder that he remains one of the most dominant forces in the CBA. His role as a centerpiece for Beijing will be crucial as they march toward the playoffs, with every game becoming more important as they look to secure home-court advantage.

The title race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and Beijing’s rejuvenated squad, led by Zhou Qi, will be at the center of the action. With the addition of a rising star in Zeng Fanbo, Beijing’s chances have never looked better. As the Ducks look to reclaim their place atop the CBA, one thing is clear: with Zhou Qi in the lineup, anything is possible.