BEIJING - Xinjiang Flying Tigers small forward Qi Lin on Thursday claimed the Rising Star of the Month honor in the second release of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league.

Qi averaged 17.8 points, 2.5 assists, 4.5 boards and 0.5 steals from the start of the second phase on his way to the 23rd round.

The 21-year-old small forward has registered 15.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 30 appearances in his second pro season.

Despite ranking fourth on the standings with a win-loss record of 23-9, Xinjiang is now an injury-riddled side with Zhou Qi, Zeng Lingxu, Lutpulla and Liu Lipeng all expected to be sidelined through injuries.