Two Chinese giants could go head-to-head in the NBL on Saturday in Brisbane
The tallest player ever signed to the NBL and his countryman go head-to-head on Saturday in what could be the most watched NBL game of all time.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze has declared “millions” of Chinese basketball fans could have their eyes on the NBL on Saturday with the prospect of two Chinese giants going head-to head in what could be the most watched game in the competition’s history.
At 215cm, South East Phoenix big man Zhou Qi is put in the shade by his countryman Chuanxing Liu, who became the tallest signing in the NBL’s history when the Brisbane Bullets locked in the 225cm development player.
While Liu, 22, has had limited game time with the Bullets this season, Qi has been a powerhouse in just the four games played by the Phoenix in a season so interrupted by Covid the Melbourne outfit hasn’t played since last year.
Both have represented China and the prospect of the twin towers taking to the court together could mean an onslaught on eyeballs in their homeland via the live stream of the game.
There have even been suggestions it could surpass the two million views globally on Facebook who watched then NBA draft prospects LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton play for the Illawarra Hawks and New Zealand Breakers in 2019.
“It’s such a massive audience over there,” Gaze told SEN on Friday morning.
“I do not know how the South East Melbourne Phoenix have been able to get him (Qi) to come to Australia because he was on mega bucks in China and he’s such a big, big figure over there.
“He (Qi) is a star and the audience over there and the interest in basketball is off the charts.
“This may sound stupid – literally hundreds of millions of people watching this game.”
The duo are the two tallest players in the NBL and Liu is the tallest man to ever play in the NBL.
The Bullets are backing up from a loss to the Breakers last Sunday, while the Phoenix haven’t played since December 18 after Covid went through the playing group and forced players into isolation.
Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell admitted there could be some teething pains as his side returns to the court.
“There’s going to be some issues for us in regards to getting our momentum and getting our legs under us,” he said.
“But we’re confident we can overcome that with depth. We’re not in this business just to train.
“We’ve had 31 training sessions since the first game and only played three games.
“It’s not something anyone is used to. There’s not a lot of information regarding what is the best way to handle it.
“But I’m just looking forward to the players playing and watching them perform.”
Originally published as Two Chinese giants could go head-to-head in the NBL on Saturday in Brisbane
Reverse trades! Top SuperCoach target ruled out
The most traded player in SuperCoach NBL this week will miss both games of his team’s round 4 double with injury. Get the latest here plus expert trade advice.
Crosscourt: Gazey’s left-field pick for return of Boomers’ coach
The hunt for the Boomers’ next head coach is heating up, and hoops legend Andrew Gaze has floated a left-field option. We take a closer look at all the contenders, and more in this week’s Crosscourt.