Lucas Walker of Australia drives to the basket against against Qi Zhou of China during the 2014 Sino-Australia Challenge match between Australia and China at Challenge Stadium on May 29, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo : Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Zhou Qi is touted as the next big thing for Chinese basketball, as he tries his luck in the NBA. However, his draft stock could get affected with reports suggesting that teams have doubts about his real age.
Zhou is considered as one of the most intriguing international prospects but teams think that the 20-year-old is older than his listed age, an ESPN insider revealed on Twitter. A number of NBA scouts are reportedly convinced that Zhou was born in 1992 or 1993. The scout's assessment could be a big deal for teams who are planning to select him in the draft.
The 7-foot-2 prospect caught the attention of several teams with his long wingspan and his shooting guard skills. He has already made his mark internationally after helping the Chinese national team qualify to the 2016 Rio Olympics, when they won the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.
Zhou also led the Xinjiang Flying Tigers to the Chinese Basketball Association semifinals this season. With his intriguing potential, Zhou could end up as a late first round or early second round draft pick. He has already worked out several teams, including the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Herald reported.
Grizzlies vice president of basketball operations John Hollinger said that Zhou is very skilled for a big man of his size. Hollinger said that Zhou has high basketball IQ and could do damage with his very long frame. The Grizzlies own the 17th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Recent NBA draft rumors also indicated there are concerns about his built, but Zhou said during the workouts that he has already gained 10 pounds in recent weeks. He added that he is working on his three-point shooting to entice teams with his shooting ability aside from being a strong presence on the defensive end of the floor.
Unlike any other international prospects, Zhou is ready to make the big jump to the NBA as early as next season, Yahoo Sports reported. According to the report, player agent Alex Saratsis said that they have already reached an agreement with the Flying Tigers, who will allow Zhou to leave if he will be drafted this year.
Watch some of Zhou's highlight plays during the 2015-16 CBA season below.
