Key Stars Set For Return

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

The South East Melbourne Phoenix are set to welcome back as many as three key players for Saturday's game against the New Zealand Breakers.

Chinese star Zhou Qi only arrived in Melbourne on Monday, but confirmed to Newscorp he'd be a certain starter this weekend.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?<a href="https://twitter.com/officialzhouqi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@officialzhouqi</a> straight back into training after arriving yesterday ?<br><br>? Tickets for this Saturday’s game ?? <a href="https://t.co/RLWq21gB0m">https://t.co/RLWq21gB0m</a> <a href="https://t.co/hONpDJN2FU">pic.twitter.com/hONpDJN2FU</a></p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1579665628931436544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Qi averaged 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and two blocks a game in NBL22, and will be looking to step things up even further in his second season in the league.

"Zhou is a little short of a gallop after taking a break from a rigorous international schedule. However, his IQ and familiarity with our systems kicked in quickly and he looked at home," Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell told the club's website.

South East Melbourne will also regain Ryan Broekhoff (hamstring) and Trey Kell (rib) from injury, while Gary Browne (knee) will remain on the sidelines for at least another week.

"Trey still needs to get some miles in the legs, but he is such a talented guy on both sides of the ball. Constantly disruptive on defence and a natural flow to his offensive game," Mitchell added.

Read the full story here >> South East Melbourne parachute in Zhou Qi for must-win clash