Chinese star Zhou looks to new challenge in Australian basketball league

SYDNEY - Chinese Basketball star Zhou Qi, who joined South East Melbourne Phoenix this season, said Thursday he looks forward to the new challenge and is eager to help the team improve in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).

The 25-year-old center was signed by South East Melbourne Phoenix at the beginning of September, and the contract has been widely seen as one of the largest international imports into an Australian basketball team.

Zhou admitted that he wasn't at his physical best during preseason games due to having to quarantine, but he believes he will adapt to his new team's play.

"I think after a period of time we can improve our play together," he said.

He said his priority now was to maintain his form and help the club achieve the best possible results this season.

Zhou is set to play his first game for South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday, but doubt has been cast when he sprained his ankle while playing for China in the FIBA World Cup qualifier against Japan over the weekend.

"There are still two days ahead of the club's first game, it will all depend on my injury," Zhou said.

South East Melbourne Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer told Xinhua that the club has high expectations for Zhou.

"We believe Zhou will be one of our star players for the upcoming season," said Greer.