China's Zhou Qi, Guo Ailun keep the momentum going

BEIJING (2016 Rio Olympics) - As starts to the season go, Zhou Qi and Guo Ailun could not have had faster ones in the Chinese CBA with their respective teams.

No one is surprised, either, since both players were All-Star Five selections at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship after playing vital roles for a China national team that stormed to the title and qualified for next year's Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Zhou entered the tournament in Changsha-Hunan as a player with a promising future.

He exceeded expectations, revealing himself to be China's next huge talent while averaging 9.9 points, six rebounds and two blocks per game.

Zhou was particularly good in China's 76-73 come-from-behind win over Korea when he had 21 points and eight rebounds.

Guo, a 21-year-old who already had several years of senior national team experience under his belt, cemented his status as China's best point guard.

He finished the tournament with averages of 10.9ppg and 4apg.

In the Final against the Philippines, a 78-67 China triumph, Guo erupted for 19 points.

It was the most he had scored in a single game at the event.

Guo Ailun (CHN) and Zhou Qi (CHN) in Changsha-Hunan

The two displayed plenty of heart, determination and flair as the Chinese stormed to the title.

They look to be using that tournament as a launchpad for a strong season in the CBA.

Zhou swatted five shots for Xinjiang in their 103-97 season-opening triumph over Beijing Ducks. The athletic 2.17m center also had 11 points and seven rebounds.

Guo opened his account for Liaoning with 18 points and six assists in a 109-97 triumph over Qindgdao and followed up that with 12 points, five helpers and three assists in a 118-87 romp over Jiangsu.

There is a long way to go in the season for each but rest assured, both can already pencil their names into China's Olympic squad, so loud is the buzz they are creating in their homeland.

FIBA