http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-07-Thu-2003/sports/21891603.html Fifteen-year-old Yi travels far to hone skills at Newell's Big Man Camp By STEVE CARP REVIEW-JOURNAL Yi Jianlian, working out Tuesday at Cox Pavilion during a session at Pete Newell's Big Man Camp, was the Chinese Basketball Association's rookie of the year last season. Photo by K.M. Cannon. They've come from all over to learn from the master. From Rhode Island to Oregon, Atlanta to Los Angeles, 80 players came to Las Vegas to spend 15 hours with Pete Newell this week and gain some wisdom from the Hall of Fame basketball coach. But no one has traveled farther than Yi Jianlian. Yi, at just 15 years old, is a 7-foot, 220-pound forward who has been playing basketball for only four years. But his potential is so vast that his team sent him from China to take part in Newell's Big Man Camp at Cox Pavilion. "It's important for my future," Yi said through an interpreter. "In just one day, I learned a lot about basketball technique, but I have much to learn." In a country that has gone crazy for basketball with Yao Ming's emergence in the NBA, Yi is looked at in some respects as China's answer to LeBron James. He's young and talented, and he figures to get better with experience. He has impressed the coaches at Newell's camp, and Newell said Yi has a bright future. "I don't know who coached him in China, but he's extremely well-taught," Newell said. "He's fundamentally sound. He plays low to the floor, and he uses his length effectively. They've done a very good job with him." Yi, from Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, plays for the Guangdong Tigers club team. Despite his age, he played in the Chinese Basketball Association last season and was named the league's rookie of the year. Yi could be a key figure in basketball five years from now, when his country hosts the 2008 Olympics. "It is a dream of mine to play in the Olympics in my homeland," Yi said. "It would be a great honor to represent my country. Hopefully, I'll get an opportunity." Yi has represented China in international competition, having played in last month's World Junior Basketball Championships in Greece. He might find himself back in Greece next summer for the Olympics if his development continues. Yi was 12 when he first picked up a basketball, playing in a 3-on-3 tournament in Shenzhen. He said the game came naturally to him, which isn't surprising because his parents were athletic, competing in team handball. And as he grew, Yi's desire to compete increased. He was enrolled in a sports school to aid his development. His ultimate goal is to join Yao in the NBA. "He was a good choice to represent China in the NBA," Yi said of Yao, who is preparing for his second season with the Houston Rockets. "We all look up to him, and I hope to one day play in the NBA, too." Yi might not have a command of the English language, but he's a quick learner. He has his interpreter on the floor with him as he goes through the drills at the Big Man Camp, and when one of the coaches needs to explain something, he seems to understand what's being taught. "The coaching here is very good," Yi said. "I need to come here every year." Yi was fascinated by the bright lights of Las Vegas. "I love this city, so much excitement all the time," he said. "But how come there's no NBA team here?" It was explained to Yi that because people can bet on NBA games, commissioner David Stern has been reluctant to endorse putting a franchise in Las Vegas. Yi seemed confused about the sports book concept, but appeared to know that betting on NBA games exists. "Ah, gambling," he said, nodding. Apparently, the Chinese government doesn't see Yi's presence at Newell's camp this week as a gamble. Yi's team, the CBA and the government all signed off on the trip, which is being paid for by the government. The NCAA need not worry, since it's doubtful Yi will play college basketball. But there were several college coaches on hand this week fantasizing over what it would be like to have Yi in uniform. Instead, Newell predicts Yi will wear an NBA uniform soon. "I think you'll be reading a lot about him two, three years from now," he said.
