NBA about to get fourth Chinese player in 7-foot Yi Jianlian
(AP)Updated: 2007-06-28 14:18
"Whatever team Yi plays for, he will be followed by a huge TV audience in China," Xu Jicheng said, a long-time basketball analyst on state-run CCTV. "Being where there is a Chinese community might help him get used to American culture and sports, but it's not necessary."
Xu predicted more NBA players would be coming from China, particularly after the 2008 Olympics.
"China has a package of players 16 to 20 years old, and there are a few more players like Yi," Xu said. "It's hard to see another Yao Ming, but next year and the year after I think some quick, athletic players will be drafted from China."
That should please NBA commissioner David Stern, who has already announced the possibility of an NBA-sponsored league in China following the Olympics.
Another Chinese may also go in the draft: 6-9 (2.06-meter) swingman Sun Yue.
Sun's another mystery.
China's national team coach, Lithuanian Jonas Kazaluskas, criticized Sun earlier this month for missing national team practice to attend an NBA pre-draft training camp.
"If you ask me which skill Sun needs to improve in terms of playing in the NBA, I'd tell you he needs an all-around improvement because he is not strong enough to join the game there," said Kazaluskas, who also questioned Sun's defense.
Angered by his coach's comments, Sun said they hurt his chance of being drafted. Others also doubt he's ready.
"People in the NBA don't know much about him," Xu said. "I'm not sure. But like Yi, if he could get into the right team, I think he could show his talent quickly."
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