Look out for Yi
Posted August 20th, 2006 by Brian Windhorst
Sapporo, Japan — It was a little bit of a ho hum night here, all expected the US to dominate China and they did, 121-90. Also, LeBron’s postgame interview audio is available here.
Even with Yao, who isn’t in shape at all after being off since the spring after foot surgery, there was no way the Chinese were going to be able to handle the American pressure defense. It wasn’t much of a game.
However, there is always something to see and in the modern world of basketball it is always prudent to keep an eye out for international talent. Not that I’ve ever pretended to be a scout, but if you are a serious fan do yourself a favor and remember the name Yi Jianlian. Or, to make it easier, just Yi.
He certainly appears to be the next major Chinese export to the NBA, though it is hard to tell exactly when he’ll make it. He’s 6-foot-11 and athletic and already has some good muscle though it needs development. He scored 13 points againt the US and had seven rebounds. And, most importantly, he’s just 17. Or so I think or at least am told.
His age has been a mystery for some time, the Chinese used to list him as being in his twenties and now they say he’s 18. Some US players asked to get the straight answer and he told everyone he’s still 17. The belief is the Chinese are trying to protect him from leaving for anywhere before the Beijing Olympics. The running joke is that by 2008, he’ll be listed as being 15.
While he was on the foul line in the first half, one educated American fan yelled "Yi, how old are you?" from the stands.
But know this, he can play. Team USA folks were talking about him after the game and there’s no doubt the NBA folks already know about him. So far he’s been the best little find I’ve personally made since being over here. I’m sure there will be more.
August 20th, 2006 at 9:28 am
The Yi Movement starts here…
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2006/7/5/115754/7048
August 22nd, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Brian,
Are you sure you still have a job at the ABJ? Hard to believe they’re sending you to Japan while cutting 40 of the 160 newsroom staffers.
August 23rd, 2006 at 12:00 am
GREAT STUFF.
Just discovered you from real gm and your humourous astute perspectives are appreciated north of the border.
Toronto, Canada!!
keep it up!!
Gabrojosa of Spain , let me know what you think , Thanks
August 23rd, 2006 at 11:55 am
Really? I had no idea they fired 40 people. Typical corporate BS. If memory serves, the new owner came on board and said everybody’s jobs were safe.
September 19th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
I have a little correction to make.
In an ESPN chat today (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=nba2010_lottery ), Brian Windhorst wrote:
Phoenix has sold off three first-round draft picks over the last three years and instead stocked the bench with cheap but aging players.
Assuming Phoenix goes with its projected starting lineup of Steve Nash, Raja Bell, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire, and Kurt Thomas, its second unit consists of Marcus Banks, Leandro Barbosa, James Jones, Jumaine Jones, and Boris Diaw. The oldest player on that second unit is Jumaine Jones, who is 27 years old.
Mr. Windhorst, do you consider this to be a bench of “cheap but aging players,” or was it just a simple mistake?