Zhou Qi named top defensive player by CBA

Xinjiang Flying Tigers' star Zhou Qi was named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2019-2020 regular season of the China Basketball Association on Monday.

The 2.17-meter center averaged 22.2 points, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks per game in the regular season and was graded with 321 points to win the award.

The league's other top five defensive players - Beijing Ducks guard Jeremy Lin, Guangdong Southern Tigers center Yi Jianlian, also the season's Most Valuable Player, Beijing Ducks forward Zhai Xiaochuan, Zhejiang Lions guard Sun Minghui and Sichuan Blue Whales center Li Yuanyu, averaged 7.4 steals and 5 blocks per game.

The league was resumed on June 20 after a five-month suspension due to the COVID-19 outbreak.