Xinhua News Agency, Canberra, December 3
——Interview with Men’s Basketball Center Zhou Qi
Xinhua News Agency reporters Yue Dongxing, Wang Jingyu, Lin Deren
On the evening of the 1st of this month, when he was interviewed by a reporter from Xinhua News Agency, Zhou Qi, who had participated in the World Cup qualifiers, had just returned to his home in Australia from Japan. He looked a little tired just after getting off the plane at noon. The fatigue of the journey and the injury in the game undoubtedly brought some difficulties to training and life, but the Chinese men’s basketball player said that he looks forward to appearing in the first regular season of the Australian League on the 4th, and to improve himself in the new season and maintain a good state. Help Southeast Melbourne Phoenix Club and the national team achieve good results.
“First of all I feel tired from the journey. But for me, this is the first time for me to go back and forth in such a short time in a foreign country to play a game, so it still feels quite interesting.” He said.
“I think that to represent the country, every athlete, no matter what event it is, is the highest honor. Since the national team has come out and recruited me, I am definitely obliged to report to the team on time no matter where it is.”
In the World Preliminary Match between the Chinese Men’s Basketball Team and the Japanese team at the end of November, Zhou Qi played 19 minutes and 34 seconds in the first game, contributing 24 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks to help the Chinese men’s basketball team get a good start. In the second half, he injured his ankle and was forced to leave.
Regarding the injury, Zhou Qi said that because the ankle was slightly swollen before the flight, there was still a little swelling just after the flight, but it was slowly getting better. The team’s doctor will come to treat him for three consecutive days after he arrives in Melbourne. Whether he can complete his first show on the 4th depends on his recovery.
During the World Preliminaries, regardless of his performance on the field or his attitude towards the game, Zhou Qi was unanimously affirmed by the Chinese coach Du Feng and the fans. Netizens have left messages on his Weibo. While caring about his injury and reminding him to return to Australia to protect himself, they also encouraged the “big devil” to cheer for the new season and strive to return to the US NBA in the future.
“China Men’s Basketball, come on! Zhou Qi, come on! A foreign country, protect yourself! We are waiting for you!” wrote a netizen.
Speaking of fans’ encouragement, Zhou Qi said that this is the driving force for his continuous advancement in his career. “First of all, I would like to thank the fans for their support. As a player, the support of the fans is a big part of the strength. I am definitely focusing on helping the team win in the league and doing my best. I think this is more practical, and it is also the moment. More focused.”
Before the start of the new season, Zhou Qi has played three preseason games on behalf of the new team Phoenix. In the game against the Hawks, he scored the team’s second-highest 17 points and grabbed the most 12 rebounds in the game. When it comes to adapting to the Australian League, Zhou Qi feels that “game is better than game.”
“In fact, I feel more that the playing method here will be faster than previously imagined, and then the offense will be simpler, so the speed and ability of the players are more demanding.” He said.
Speaking of life in Melbourne, Zhou Qi introduced that he will have more time to play here. Usually, he will feel the local life, visit shopping malls and attractions, and taste delicious food. When he doesn’t want to go out to eat, he occasionally cooks and cooks some simple meals. The teammates of the club have tasted his “Chinese-style scrambled eggs”.
He introduced that because the club’s chefs are still hiring for the time being, there will be two people in charge of breakfast every day, and the players take turns to do it, just like on duty. “It happened to be me that day. Their scrambled eggs may not be the same as ours. Change the taste.”
Speaking of the national team’s next World Preliminary Tournament, Zhou Qi said that he hopes that he can maintain a good state and give play to his greatest advantage in the game to help the team win. “I think this is the most basic thing for a basketball player on the court, and it may also be the most difficult thing. It needs to be adjusted constantly. The winning of the team is the guarantee of the final result.”
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