Zhou Qi named as part of Chinese Basketball Association’s national squad for 2024 Paris Olympics
- Yu Jiahao, widely considered a successor to Chinese basketball great Yao Ming, is one of several promising rookies named in the Olympic squad
- But fans were quick to point out the age of several players, with one describing the line-up as ‘old’
South East Melbourne Phoenix star recruit Zhou Qi has been named as part of the Chinese Basketball Association’s national team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The CBA has unveiled a new-look team to represent China in two years, with some 50 players named for the initial men’s squad, and 47 players for the women’s side.
After signing with Australia’s NBL team Phoenix in December last year, “King Qi” as he is called by teammate Mitch Creek, has been central to the team’s success, picking up several player of the game nominations, and was shortlisted for NBL’s Best Defensive Player award.
Not surprisingly, stand-out player Yi Jianlian was also named as part of the team. A former NBA recruit for the Milwaukee Bucks and CBA Rookie of the Year, Yi represented China at the Olympics in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Firebrand Guo Ailun, almost as famous for his off-court antics as his playing, is a surprise addition to the team. Guo, one of the top CBA players with Liaoning Flying Leopards, was involved in a notorious 2016 brawl with fans and required medical treatment.
While there’s plenty of experience in the squad, CBA also named several rookie players, including 18-year-old American-Chinese NBA prospect Yu Jiahao. Yu has been widely considered a potential successor to Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming and last year helped Zhejiang Lions secure bronze at the under-22 men’s National Games.
Point guard Li Tianrong, the first Chinese athlete in the NBA Global plan, is another rising talent to make the Olympic squad.
