China's Zhou Qi is a step closer to being drafted into the NBA. The Xinjiang center's name has been placed on the league's draft combine list, which will take place later this month in Chicago.

Another Chinese hoopster, Wang Zhelin did not appear on the list, but that doesn't mean anything, because Ben Simmons, who many consider to be the best player available in this year's draft was also not on the list. His name was absent because of what is being called a private reason.

Zhou helped China win the Asian championships last year, and was a big key to help Xinjiang make it to the playoffs in the CBA. Zhou, a 7-foot-2, and 210-pound prospect, averaged 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks in the 2015-16 CBA season.

63 players have been selected to attend the draft combine in Chicago. Nicknamed "The big devil king", Zhou is seen as a late second round pick. This year's NBA draft will be held June 23rd.