Ji Zhe, the former captain of the Beijing Ducks, has died of lung cancer at the age of 33, according to Jiao Jian, Ji's former teammate, on Thursday morning.

Ji's club confirmed that the player was suffering from lung cancer.

Since the 2017-2018 seasons, Ji struggled with serious knee injury. In the 2018-19 seasons, he went to the US for treatment and rehabilitation.

Ji was loaned to the Beijing Ducks from Liaoning team since the 2007-08 seasons and began his CBA career. Relying on his courage and ability, he gradually became one of the most trusted players of the former Beijing coach Min Lulei.

In the 2012-13 seasons, he averaged 10.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, which became the best season of his career.

The 2.02m-tall power forward was the main contributor of Beijing's championship win in 2011-12 seasons, 2013-14 seasons and 2014-15 seasons.

He played fiercely on the court and his defense was very active, and his three-pointers also posed huge threat.

Stephon Marbury, former basketball player of Beijing Ducks, expressed his condolences on his Sina Weibo account. "At this moment, I am heartbroken for the family who loves you. My brother, my teammate, and my captain, I hope everything is calm now. I can only pray that your family can bear the pain of losing you, and hope that they will be fine. They will feel the energy from people who love you around the world. May you rest in peace."

Tracy McGrady, a member of Guangdong Southeast Tigers, also expressed his sadness on Sina Weibo. "I send my condolences to his family. May God be with them at this time. He was a fine player to compete against," said McGrady.

Many fans left thousands of messages on Ji's Sina Weibo account. "I heard the shocking news in the morning. It was too sudden. May heaven also have basketball and may you rest in peace. Your contribution to Beijing Ducks will be remembered by millions of fans," a fan said.

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