Zhou Qi and Chen Yingjun have officially joined the Beijing Ducks to compete in the upcoming 2024-2025 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), the club said on Thursday.

Chen Yingjun (R) of Guangdong Loong Lions goes for a lay-up during the play-off first leg match between Guangdong Loong Lions and Qingdao Eagles at the 2023-2024 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

According to the announcement, the Beijing Ducks had achieved agreements with the Guangdong Southern Tigers and the Guangzhou Loong Lions, respectively, to sign contracts with Zhou and Chen, which were approved by the league.

The 28-year-old Zhou started his CBA career in 2014 and won the Rookie of the Year award. As a center in the Chinese men's basketball team, he triumphed in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

"I hope more basketball fans in Beijing can come to cheer for our team in the new season. My teammates and I will strive to keep healthy and pursue a better result," said Zhou, who played for Guangdong last season.

Chen spent his 7-year CBA career in Guangzhou and averaged 12.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 51 regular games last season. The 31-year-old noted, "I felt excited for joining the Beijing Ducks. We will work together step by step towards our final goal."

The Beijing club expressed high hopes for the two players and believed that they will reinforce the team's overall strength.