XINJIANG (2016 Rio Olympics) - An eagerly awaited Olympic debut for basketball fans in China will be that of Zhou Qi at next summer's Rio de Janeiro Games.

The 19-year-old center is less than two months removed from helping China reach the top of the podium at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha-Hunan, a result that booked the Far East Giants' spot in Brazil.

Zhou had some stunning displays in front of the home fans.

He ended up averaging 9.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

The swat statistic ranked second in the competition.

The outstanding effort that set him on his way to a big tournament?

It happened on 24 September.

During China's 76-73 come-from-behind win over Korea, Zhou had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Zhou Qi (CHN) dominated Korea in Changsha-Hunan

Zhou showed plenty of power, but also finesse both inside and outside in the tournament.

He displayed a feathery touch on his jump shot.

Zhou has used the experience as a platform to have a terrific start in the Chinese CBA.

He is a big reason why Xinjiang Flying Tigers are the only unbeaten team in the league.

In his latest effort, a 118-94 rout of Tianjin, the 2.17m Zhou dominated with 22 points, 12 rebounds and two swats.

He made 10 of his 11 shots from the floor.

Eight games into the season and Xinjiang have yet to lose.

Only Beijing (103-97), Guangsha (118-116) and Jiangsu (103-101) have run them close.

So what about the prospects of Zhou?

Will he end up being as good in international basketball and the professional game as Yi Jianlian, a member of the China national team since 2004?

Can he aspire to be like Yi or Yao Ming and make it to the NBA?

That remains to be seen.

A better gauge of his potential will come in less than a year, when he makes his Olympic bow in Rio.

In the CBA, where plenty of players with NBA experience have competed in the past or currently play, like his teammate, Philippines big man Andray Blatche, Zhou takes a backseat to no one.

It's going to be fun watching him test himself against the best players in the sport when he does arrive in Brazil.

FIBA