CHN – Yi, Sun shift attention to North America and NBA

NEW YORK (NBA) - Yi Jianlian and Sun Yue were key parts of China’s run to the quarter-finals at this summer’s Olympics.

Now both have turned their focus to the United States, where they will resume their professional careers.

Yi has decided to get a jump on his preparations for the NBA campaign by joining up with the New Jersey Nets this week.

The Chinese national team seven-footer was a lottery pick in the 2007 NBA draft by Milwaukee and didn’t begin his workouts with the Bucks until early October.

The Bucks traded the 20-year-old Yi to New Jersey before he returned to China to play for the national team.

Nets coach Lawrence Frank spoke about the club’s new player.

"We're going to define what we want from him," Frank said on Tuesday.

"We haven't defined it yet because it's the first day we've been with him. But in due time, we will make it very clear what we expect and what we need."

Yi, a former star with Guangdong in the CBA, missed several games at the end of his first season through injury, and fatigue appeared to limit his effectiveness even earlier.

"For me this is the second season,” Yi said. “So I came earlier to practice with the team. I have time to practice and have time to (get comfortable with his new team).”

Yi is looking forward to playing with the Nets and he doesn’t expect to struggle fitting in with his new teammates.

"I think it's not too difficult for me or us (to have chemistry), because we are professional players and just play the game," Yi said.

"Other teams have new players like us, so it’s not a problem to play with each other."

Yi averaged 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his rookie campaign.

With China in Beijing, he poured in nine points and grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game.

Yi will be a pivotal figure for China next summer when they attempt to qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship that will be staged in Turkey.

Sun, who signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, is excited about the new challenge in front of him and he, too, has already travelled to America.

"I’m looking forward to the NBA as I was with Olympics,” he said.

Sun believes his move to the NBA will benefit China.

“I will be like a little pupil learning from every teacher and bringing the things I learn back to national team," he said.

As for the possibility that he will spend time in the NBDL, he said: "It's not the issue I need to consider about. These are all the manager’s arrangements. I'm coming to help the team.

"I don't know what will happen next. I will learn everything that can help me improve.

"After the Olympics, I will have 100% confidence no matter what I’m confronted with."

FIBA