Yi’s presence adds a spring to Chinese step

KUALA LUMPUR (Mageshwaran’s AsiaScope) - There cannot be a more obvious situation nor can there be a more redundant statement than to say that Yi Jianlian is the spearhead of China’s cause, campaign and charge at the 2012 London Olympics.

The 25-year-old missed the early part of China’s preparations due to his NBA commitments with the Dallas Mavericks, but joined the training camp on Monday immediately sending waves of excitement as much within the team as among the fans.

"Guess who is back! Good News for Team China," gushed China coach Bob Donewald Jr on his qq.com tweet posting a photograph taken on his smartphone alongside.

There cannot be any doubt that Yi Jianlian is the biggest name in current Chinese basketball.

There have been many a proof - the most telling of them being his role and performance in leading China to the gold medal at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China last year - that Yi Jianlian has emerged as a worthy answer to the “After Yao, who?” questions.

Just for the record, Yi Jianlian has averaged a double-double – in scoring and rebounds – in every single major international tournament China took part since Yao’s retirement.

"Both offensively and defensively we are better with him on the court," said Donewald.

"And he gives us a confidence that we need. We look forward to getting started with him and figuring out who we are, with him involved."

"I have never felt as good before," said Yi Jianlian, who is preparing for his third successive Olympic appearance, after joining the camp.

"In 2004 (Athens), I was yet very young. I was learning just by watching players like Wang Zhizhi and Liu Wei,” he recalled of his first appearance at the world sport’s hallowed stage.

“Four years ago, (in Beijing), I had a clear cut role. Yao was present to take care of the offense. My job was more in defense and I had to concentrate more on rebounding.

“But now, I know I have a bigger role in leading the team. I am ready for it. And I am enjoying it."

Yi Jianlian went on summarise his Olympic experience with typical candor.

"2004 was all about being excited at the experience, 2008 was about playing my role in the team, and 2012 will be about leading the team. I think every four years I have moved up to the next level in my career," he said.

"That’s the reason I said that this will be my best Olympics."

"Physically I am primed up well to take the extra load and help the team. Keep watching us. We will cause a few surprises,” he said.

Yi Jianlian’s the answer to the future of Chinese basketball in the post-Yao era.

Is he the answer to more than a billion prayers to an Olympic medal? We’ll wait and see.

So long…

S Mageshwaran

FIBA Asia

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