Hailing from the Far East, he’s 2 meters and 10 centimeters tall and a middle blocker by trade: his name is Shikun Peng, and he’s Cisterna Volley’s first signing for next season. Born in China, he turns 26 in August (the 26th). Last season, he won the Japanese championship with Osaka Bluteon. Before arriving in Japan, he attempted a European experience in Paris, France, where at the end of the season he won the trophy for best middle blocker in the French league.
Before reaching the age of 18, he began his volleyball career and made a name for himself playing for Sichuan Jinlang Sports (three seasons). He then joined Suntory Sunbirds, contributing to the team’s victory in the Japanese title and the Asian Men’s Club Championship, averaging 10 points per game and becoming a devastating blocker. In China, with Shanghai Bright, he took home the titles of best middle blocker and MVP of the league. From there, he wanted to play in the old continent, but Paris didn’t convince him, and he preferred to return to Asia. Given how things went with Osaka Bluteon, the choice was the right one: he won the Japanese championship. He plays regularly for the Chinese national team.
Peng dunks at 360 cm and blocks at 345 cm. Blocking is his best weapon, and he excels in attack in the first half. Now, he’s eager to try a new adventure in Europe. Beyond his technical qualities, which we’ll only truly understand by watching him play live, there’s no doubt about the ambition that drives Shikun Peng, determined to prove his worth in the most difficult league of all, the Italian SuperLega.
The first Chinese player in Cisterna Volley’s history introduces himself to his new fans confident he can take his chances at taking the biggest step in his career: “The Italian league boasts many of the world’s best athletes. And when the opportunity to play in the SuperLega presented itself, I didn’t even think twice: my answer was an immediate yes. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll work hard to adapt to this new reality as quickly as possible. I started playing volleyball at 12; it’s always been my sport, and I’ve worked hard to improve. Now I’m playing, so I’m not on vacation: I’m working. But that doesn’t bother me, because it’s what I’ve wanted since I was a child.”
