2016 NBA Draft picks Ben Bentil and Zhou Qi will be featuring for Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) side Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers in the wake of Bentil’s move from America to China recently.
Bentil, the 51st pick by Boston Celtics will line up in the front court with this year’s 43rd pick by Houston Rockets, Qi.
The Ghanaian 6 foot 9 inch Forward was released by Boston and claimed by Indiana Pacers before being assigned to its Development League affiliate side Fort Wayne Mad Ants. After scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in Mad Ants 120-99 win over Greensboro Swarm, Bentil swapped North America for the Far East.
Qi, on the other hand, was assigned to Xinjiang shortly after getting drafted by the Rockets. The 7 foot 2 inch Center was deployed to the CBA for more playing time and experience before a likely return to the NBA. The 20 year old averaged 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last season.
Bentil was signed primarily as a cover for injured Center Andray Blatche who played multiple years in the NBA for Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. The Flying Tigers have seven wins from nine games played in the season.
Sichuan Blue Whales are the reigning champions.
