Blogging the Journey: Yi JianLian

GHarty — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:30:28 GMT

What’s at Stake: Yi writes about the challenges he’ll face this summer, representing China on his home turf and facing his NBA teammates on the court.

The greatest challenge for me is that there were so many “first times.” The first time to meet different opponents, the first time to encounter such an intense game schedule. You cannot imagine how hard it is and how it feels without the first hand experience. You have to experience it.

The most important thing for me is that I had the opportunity for the first time to encounter all these different teams and players. Every player has different characteristics, equally highly competent. Combining one’s personal effort with teamwork to compete.

The best players are all here, no matter if they are from the States or from other countries. I have learned a lot from them. The biggest motivation is because I love basketball. I get training, make improvements and enjoy the games. Make an effort to realize one’s aim. Not matter if it is to play in the NBA or do anything else, it is important to know one’s aim, and then make an effort towards that aim and make changes.

To overcome it is to face it, adapt to it and train oneself. Adapt to it through various games in order to be ready to compete as soon as possible.

This is the greatest challenge.

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The Competition: Yi Jianlian

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:31:53 GMT

For the host nation of China, the return of a healthy Yi Jianlian could mean their first ever medal in Olympic basketball.

To the Chinese, 8 is more than just a number. It represents luck. It brings prosperity. But when the Olympics kick off on 8.8.08, if China wants to win its first ever medal in basketball, they’ll need more than a number. They’ll need a healthy Yi Jianlian to play his best basketball.

Ever since he was young, Yi has made a name for himself on the court. At 16, he towered over his opponents, finding little competition in his hometown. But with his level of skill and quickness, he was soon invited to the United States to play in a summer tournament. He shined against the elite youth in America, gaining some early buzz, and when he returned to China, he moved up to the professional level in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

In his first season, he dominated the court with lightning quick moves and power in the paint, earning him the Rookie of the Year award. Five seasons straight he led his team to the finals, to championship wins in '04, '05 and '06, also earning the MVP award along the way.

Simply put, he was the best player in China.

Despite being only 17, his coaches knew he was ready for the Chinese Senior National Team. Yi got his first taste of senior international competition at the 2004 Summer Games. The young team made the quarterfinals, but lost by 20 to a strong Lithuanian squad.

In 2006, he played at the FIBA World Championships, averaging 6 points and 6 rebounds a game. But unable to carry his team, China fell early to Greece and took 15th place in the tournament.

But even after those tough losses, the NBA spotted young, raw talent and came knocking. His combination of height (7’0), skill and potential was too good to pass up, and in the 2007 Draft, Milwaukee made him the 6th overall pick.

As a rookie, Yi quickly made his mark. He started in the season’s opening game, and in December scored a career-high 29 points over Charlotte. He was named Rookie of the Month shortly after, and played in the Rookie Challenge during All-Star Weekend.

But in early April, Yi’s rookie season was put to an abrupt halt, ending with a devastating knee injury. There’s no guarantee he’ll be 100% by 8.8.08, but he recently ran in the torch ceremony and performed well in exhibition games, so things are looking good for his countrymen. For China to have a chance to win a medal, they’ll need to have a healthy Yi to go up against power forwards like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Amare Stoudemire.

The eyes of the world will be on China in August. And when their national team hits the court, the hopes of over a billion Chinese people will be with him. With a little luck and a lot of Yi, China might just be a contender for gold.

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Blogging the Journey: Yi JianLian

The Competition: Yi Jianlian