Unbelievable! Zhou Qi missed 14 consecutive free throws—what's going on with him?

In recent CBA games, the most worrying and puzzling topic has undoubtedly been Zhou Qi's free throws.

Over two consecutive games, he has thrust himself into the spotlight in an almost glaring manner.

Against Liaoning:5 out of 14 free throws, including a crucial 4 misses in the final quarter.

Against Jilin, free throws0 out of 8.

This set a surprising record for the most consecutive missed free throws by a local CBA player.

In the last 20.6 seconds, with Beijing trailing by 1 point, Zhou Qi missed both free throws, directly costing the team a chance to tie, leading to a narrow 86-88 loss.

This is Zhou Qi.

So far this season, Zhou Qi's free-throw percentage is only47.4%, not only a career low but also his first time dropping below 50% in a CBA season.

Ladies and gentlemen, Shaquille O'Neal's career free-throw percentage: 52.7%.

Could the classic "Hack-a-Shaq" tactic be applied to Zhou Qi...

If opponents choose, they can freely foul him, limiting him in the simplest way.

Long-time fans know that Zhou Qi wasn't like this early in his career.

Defined as a mobilespace-oriented forward/center, capable of stretching the floor, shooting fundamentals were his main offensive feature.

In his first three seasons with Xinjiang, it was above 70%.

Though not matching Yao Ming or Wang Zhizhi, his initial free-throw percentage was perfectly acceptable for an interior player.

But now... his offensive flair, touch, and confidence have gradually eroded.

Not only has his style become more blue-collar, often serving as a role player—it can be said:

Zhou Qi's free-throw decline is the most extreme case among top players.

What happened?

Is it injury? Possibly.

He's still wearing protective goggles, plus back issues, maybe affecting him.

Has his shooting mechanics changed? Possibly.

When he first entered the league, his shooting wasfluid and complete.

Now watching his free throws: stiff, awkward rhythm, unnatural force—missing seems inevitable.

Is it a mental issue? Maybe.

More frightening than physical issues is the ensuingpsychological vicious cycle.

When a player misses repeatedly, even targeted by opponents, his mentality inevitably suffers.

At the free-throw line, his mind isn't on technique but: "Don't miss, don't get criticized, don't hit the热搜 again..."

Missing 8 free throws in a game isn't just a technical issue.

Is it lack of practice?

We outsiders don't know Zhou Qi's training routine or his practice performance.

Thus, no speculation, no conclusions.

Overall,Zhou Qi's free throws have evolved from a technical problem into a baffling, phenomenon-level puzzle.

Extending from this puzzle to his previous use in the national team—were there major issues?

Zhou Qi cannot serve as a primary scorer.

With this free-throw rate, even if Korea fouls him... sending Zhou Qi to the line is likely advantageous.

It's undeniable that Zhou Qi remains one of the top interior players among locals.

His strength lies in defensive impact; even at this stage, he's uniquely dominant in Chinese男篮.

The only one possibly comparable is "Guangzhou Tower" Xu Xin.

Regarding other national team players... one summary:

Look at how Guangdong Hongyuan was dominated by "Big White"!