JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Few players have managed to combine power, grace and longevity on the FIBA Asia Cup stage the way Yi Jianlian did. For a decade, the 212cm/6'11" forward-center was the face of Chinese basketball after Yao Ming, carrying the torch of a dynasty and carving his own name into continental history.
Yi’s relationship with the FIBA Asia Cup began in 2005, when a 17-year-old prodigy joined a veteran-laden Chinese squad that powered its way to another gold. While he was still finding his place among the stars of that era, Yi's flashes of mobility and length hinted at what was to come, averaging 6.8 points over eight games.
By 2009, with Yao absent, Yi stepped fully into the spotlight. Though China fell short of gold that year, Yi showed he could be the focal point, and his well-rounded play resulted in solid numbers—18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.4 blocks per contest. It was clear: China’s future would be headlined by Yi Jianlian.
The 2011 Asia Cup in Wuhan was his coming-of-age moment. With the tournament held on home soil, Yi dominated both ends of the court. He averaged 16.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, led China to a resounding title, and was named to the All-Star Five as well as crowned MVP.
Four years later, in Changsha-Hunan 2015, Yi delivered another masterclass. Once again, China went undefeated, and once again, he was at the center of everything. Yi’s blend of rim protection, rebounding, mid-range shooting and transition play overwhelmed opponents. He finished with 16.7 points, 8.8 boards and 1.2 rejections per game while shooting 52.9% from the field. Not surprisingly, he earned MVP honors for a second time and a second career All-Star Five nod as China reclaimed the FIBA Asia Cup crown on home soil.
Between those two MVP runs, Yi also led China in 2013, fighting through a tough tournament that ended short of gold but underlined his importance as a leader and steadying presence.
Over five Asia Cups (2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015), Yi left with three gold medals, two MVP trophies and two All-Star Five selections. Hardly any players in Asia Cup history can equal that blend of longevity and achievement.
What made Yi such a force was his versatility. He could score facing up, with his back to the basket or finishing through contact. He also protected the rim and even handled the ball in transition. In the halfcourt, Yi's mid-range jumper was money. In the open floor, his long strides turned rebounds into fast breaks. And in every tournament, he shouldered the pressure of carrying the mantle for Chinese basketball after Yao’s retirement.
Yi Jianlian’s Asia Cup legacy is one of dominance, but also of responsibility. He became the symbol of a generation that refused to let China’s standard fade, even as the competition around Asia grew stronger.
As the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 approaches, Yi’s name remains synonymous with success. His achievements and legacy are proof that greatness is not inherited. It is earned, one tournament at a time.
FIBA