BEIJING, Feb.18 (Xinhuanet) -- Yi Jianlian is one of China's best known exports. Yi is a rising star in the National Basketball Association, and he's overcome injuries to become a popular player for the Washington Wizards this season.
Playing in the N-B-A has been a dream come true for Yi Jianlian.
Yi Jianlian, Washington Wizards,s said, "For me it is to compete. Compete every game .. it's a lot of fun."
The 7-foot tall power forward, the NBA's best known Chinese player after Yao Ming, joined the Washington Wizards last summer. He quickly became an important part of the team. It's been an eye-opening experience for the Guangdong, China, native as he adjusts to a new city ... and new country.
"Here in America it's more relaxed. There are a lot of people in China. " Yi said.
He's learned to speak English and has settled near Washington's historic Chinatown. But it's still hard being so far away from home. So many things to miss.
"Family, friends, food ... -You do have McDonalds in China!" Said Yi.
Fortunately, his family visits often ... and he's become good friends with many of his teammates like Nick Young.
Nick Young, Washington Wizards, said, "You can open up to him better because he comes from another place. Once he came here I had a smile on my face and that's where it took off. Has he invited you to China? -Yeah, but we gotta work on that trip!"
Flip Sauders, Wizards Coach, said, "The toughest thing with him has been his injuries. He's gotten hurt so much that he starts out playing well, gets hurt, then he's trying to come back."
Coach Flip Saunders says Yi is a valuable member of the team and his absence hurt. The Wizards are in a re-building year and currently have a losing record. But Coach Saunders is hopeful now that Yi's back in the game.
"I told him maybe with the year of the rabbit he'll be luckier!" Flip Sauders said.
Luck and a lot of hard work have gotten Yi to this point. He says the proudest moment in his career was playing for the Chinese national team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"The best experience for me and my basketball career was to play the Olympics at home. Lot of people in China and I was really lucky." Yi said.
He hopes to someday return home to China.. while staying connected to his new home here in America. But whatever happens in the future -- right now Yi is focused on dunks and dribbles -- life in the NBA.
Yi Jianlian also said, "For me I just improve myself every day, compete and keep working hard every day .. and who knows?"
(Source: CNTV)
