CLARK CITY (Philippines) - Zhou Qi wasn’t there for China’s first game against Japan in the Philippines bubble of the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

He then showed up for China’s second game when they played against Chinese Taipei, though he remained on bespectacled on the sidelines.

Then, he showed up in the rematch against Japan and quickly made his presence felt. The 25-year-old center was the most efficient player in the win, posting 18 points on 7-11 shooting from the field to go with 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Japan had no answer for the towering center in the paint and China rode that on to yet another win.

The impact that Zhou had on the team’s play was impressive, but not surprising for coach De Feng at all.

"For Zhou, even though I’ve known him for a long time, for this tournament this is the first time I’ve officially worked with him," Du said. "In my opinion, he’s a really hard worker on the court and has also really showed good attitude as a professional player."

"I think what he is doing is not just on the court for his scoring or his rebounding, but more than that I think Zhou Qi brings more energy to the team."

That energy was much needed from the young China squad who had fell behind early in the game due to the sharpshooting of Japan. He immediately sparked the team with his determined and inspiring play.

"I want to say thank you to Zhou Qi especially," coach Du also added in the post-game press conference. "I admire him and also give credit for his professional attitude and his willingness for represent himself and the country. So as you can see today, he gave a lot energy to the team."

No one would have blamed Zhou for not joining the team here in Clark City because of his medical appointments, but the star center made the trip nonetheless even if it was a bit delayed.

"Zhou Qi, before we come here, he had eye surgery," coach Du revealed. "Only like the second day he decide to fly from China to come to Manila and come to Clark City just to meet with us and join the tournament here. I want to thank him for his professional attitude and his willingness to represent Team China."

That determined spirit to represent China not only lifts the morale of the players in the team, it sometimes is also contagious.

"I also want to give credit to Shen Zijie as you know the day before that we played against Chinese Taipei he fell. Even now, he still has a little bit of an injury but he just pulled through and he had a good game."

"Because of this, Team China have all come together for this unity and that’s why we gave the fans and gave the country a good performance."

It’s games like these and spirited performances like those seen out of Zhou and Shen that are going to be very valuable for this China squad. Especially considering how young this team is and the plan that is in store, the display of leadership by example from the veterans will only help them grow.

"For this team now, this is a roster of young generation," coach Du said.

"This is more like a transition from the more veteran players to the new generations, so what I hope for them to have a more smooth transition like the torch to be passed on to the next generation."

"For this new team or the next generation on this new roster, I don’t have a high expectation. However, I just want to bring them to these international games to show them what is trending now at this level. Also, I want to have them play more games to know what a strong team like Australia or other teams [plays like]. I want them to build confidence in their goal so they can just stay brave and keep challenging to be the more powerful team."

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FIBA