BEIJING (2016 Rio Olympics) - Zhou Qi of China can look back on his last several months and judge them to have been hugely successful. Having just turned 20 in late January, the national team big man did not have the sort of finish he had envisioned with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China's CBA.

His team suffered a 3-0 sweep this week in the play-off semi-finals at the hands of Sichuan, a team that is led by Iran national team pivot Hamed Haddadi. How did Zhou sign off in that 115-104 defeat?

While Haddadi poured in 29 points and corralled 18 rebounds in the deciding Game 3 of the semis for the winners, Zhou had 5 points and 5 rebounds. On the plus side, Zhou can now take a breather and it's one that he needs. He's been going non-stop since last summer's FIBA Asia Championship preparations with China.

"I have to recover psychologically and with my body after an intense season with no rest," he said an interview with sports.sina.com.cn.

While it's difficult to feel good after a play-off exit, Zhou will be encouraged when he takes time to reflect on the past several months. He was a vital member of a China squad that won the Asian title to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Games.

His play was so good that he earned a spot on the All-Star Five. He underlined his status as one of the biggest talents in a China team that was hugely impressive.

The aim had been to follow up the national team success with CBA glory but Zhou and his teammates ran out of steam. He should grow from the experience, though. He has certainly gained a better understanding of the competition.

Overall, I'm still relatively satisfied with it (the season). I played better at the start and then after some ups and downs, I experienced the playoffs for the first time and it was more exciting... - Zhou Qi 

"I would have liked to have had more of an impact on the team but mentally, I was somewhat affected (by the post-season)," Zhou said. "I discovered that the regular season and playoffs are two completely different games."

There is now time to take his foot off the pedal and recover from some knocks. The objective will now be to be mentally and physically ready for China once Gong Luming's national side launches its preparations for the Olympics.

Zhou Qi (CHN) gave a helping to China in 2015

The men's tournament will be in Rio from 6-21 August. The Chinese will be looking to improve on their performance in 2012. At the London Games, China were blown out in all five of their Preliminary Round contests.

"Once the league is over and the summer begins, it will be time to prepare with the national team," Zhou said.

FIBA