Source: CCTV.com
02-12-2008 11:41
Special Report: "China Derby" --Yao vs YiSpecial Report: 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
After his NBA debut last October, Chinese basketball sensation Yi Jianlian is now on his way to building a successful career. And this summer, he has a great chance for glory when he'll team up with Yao Ming and the other Chinese national team players to try for their best ever performance at an Olympic Games. In today's feature, we'll take a closer look at how Chinese basketball's new hope is preparing for the Olympics.
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| Yi Jianlian |
At the 2004 Athens Olympics, a young - and nervous - Yi Jianlian failed to live up to expectations in his first Olympic showdown.
But on December 23rd 2007, he displayed a maturity beyond his years to put in a stellar performance.
From loser four years ago, to one of the hottest rookies in the NBA star, the Chinese basketball sensation gave the perfect Christmas gift to the Milwaukee Bucks and himself.
Yi capped his first double-double in the NBA with a career high of 29 points and 10 rebounds in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats.
The 20-year-old has been making strides in his first season, developing quicker than many anticipated.
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| Yi Jianlian and Yao Ming |
Doubts were cast about the suitable of Milwaukee as Yi's new hometown. But he's put setbacks from pre-season games behind him and worked hard to improve his game.
From 19 points against Yao Ming and the Rockets, to 22 against the Timberwolves, and now 29 against the Bobcats...
Yi Jianlian is building up his skills, his confidence and his reputation step by step.
But success doesn't happen on its own.
