“When I was in high school, Zhou Qi was the only Chinese person in the NBA besides Jeremy Lin. It was kind of different from Lin because he came out of China – two kinds of Asian perspectives.

“We live pretty close to each other so we usually go get hotpot and Korean BBQ. We just catch up off-the-court, and in practise I can always look to him to give me pointers or to tell me what’s what. I’m the only player that he can speak Chinese to, so it’s been pretty cool.

“The whole group is a great bunch of guys, and we’re all pretty close-knit even after just one month, but obviously me and Zhou understand each other a bit more, culturally.”

With Zhou comfortably representing his country’s basketball in Australia – Phoenix star Mitch Creek reportedly calls him “King Qi” – Li and other Chinese imports are inspired to make their marks internationally.

“Being out here in a development role is a great way for me to get used to the professional athletes lifestyle. Recovery, nutrition, conditioning, weights, taking care of your body.

“They were all very welcoming and have extraordinary resumes. Four of the guys are Australian Boomers, we have three ex-NBA players, and three New Zealand national team members.

“Obviously we have big Zhou Qi, the face of China basketball, and our team on paper is very, very stacked. But first thing’s first they’re all very good guys and I already feel like I’ve got much better in the time I’ve been here.

“My goal is to get better and I feel like I’m on the right track – another big goal would be get some court time. I feel optimistic that I can grind it down and prevail, and just soak up as much as I can in Australia. I want to put myself in the best position for China when I go back.”

While Li’s first visit to Australia has been good so far, the experience has not been without its issues. NBL games have been postponed intermittently after several teams were struck down with positive Covid-19 tests and close-contact measures.

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell lamented the unplanned three-weak break from competition, but it was something the entire league had been combating since the preseason.

Barring any further obstacles, they play the Tasmanian Jackjumpers on Monday. Phoenix sit second in the league with two games in hand, with Zhou, who Mitchell calls the “jewel in the crown” of Australian basketball, relishing the return.

“It kind of reminds me of my year at Lehigh [University] where games would get cancelled as guys would go into quarantine,” Li said.

“At this point you’re kind of used to it but you get very, very tired of it. But [coach Mitchell] keeps telling us ‘it is what it is’. You’re can’t stop it, and what’s more important is getting your mindset right. As long as you’re going to training and recovering with the mindset to get better, the toughest teams will pull through no matter the circumstances.”

“It’s just been great to start these conversations, breaking barriers and putting this into light,’ he said.

“To be there for people, just by voicing out my experience to others if they need. I want to influence and guide the next generation by doing the best I know. I’m forever happy to share my experiences about race and growing up being Asian in a Western civilisation.”