Due to popular demand I've decided to do a fan club update earlier than expected! Following his CBA Championship victory, Yi is now playing for the Chinese National Team, this time led by former Lithuanian national basketball team coach Jonas Kazlauskas.
The Chinese NT is warming up by playing a series of friendlies against the visiting "American all-star team", led by NBA's second youngest coach Mike Brown. Other players in the US squad include Willie Dean (who?).
Anyhow 5 games have been played, and Yi has played up to standard thus far:
China won 1st game 76-73, Yi with 11pts and 6rebs.
China won 2nd game 70-67, Yi with game high 17pts.
China lost 3rd game 49-53 (??), not much info on that for obvious reasons
China won 4th game 87-80, Yi with 15pts and 8rebs.
China won 5th game 92-78, Yi with 18pts and 5rebs.
Interesting to know that Yi has been playing the 5 spot in these games. When asked about this, he simply responds by saying he plays whatever position he is asked.
Watch Yi finish off a pick-and-roll with a big 2-handed flush
Translated excerpts from various articles:
When Team America's coached was asked which player on Team China was most impressive:
"Chinese team's #11, not only is he in good physical condition, but his leaping ability, ball control, and defense is all pretty good. With him and Yao Ming, Team China is bound to do well in the 2008 Olympics." Of course, the #11 he is referring to is Yi Jianlian.
On Yi's Attitude: Yi has been playing relatively well in these games, but he is in no way satisfied with his own play, as the coach continually points out what he can do better and improve upon. With that attitude, he has shown slight improvement in every game.
On the Chinese website, Yi is currently listed as around 7 feet and 242lbs (and yes, still listed as born in 1987). Looks like he's bulked up!!