China's rising hoops star Yi Jianlian celebrated his birthday last Thursday, the day the men's basketball team trooped into town, behind diving diva Guo Jingjing who stole all the media limelight with her cute glasses and little white boots.
The 2.1-metre tall man from Shenzhen hardly drew a glance as the media only had eyes for Guo. He might not have Guo's good looks, but Yi is destined to become an even bigger attraction than the petite mermaid if the experts are to be believed.
Yi is being heralded as the next Yao Ming. Last Thursday was his 18th birthday - or was it his 20th. A mystery surrounds his age. Chinese authorities say he was born on October 27th, 1987, which makes him 18. But those in the know say he is a couple of years older as dates had been manipulated to make him younger so that he could play at the junior level longer.
Or is that the Chinese Basketball Association does not want to lose Yi too soon to the NBA? Under CBA rules, only players who have turned 22 will be released to play in the professional American league. Until then one has to serve time in China's professional league. So Yi has to wait until 2009 before following in the footsteps of Yao.
In an interview recently, Yi was the first to admit that he does not mind waiting. 'I'm too young and skinny to play in the NBA,' said Yi. But having to wait four more years, does not mean that he is missing out financially. In 2003, Nike signed a six-figure, multi-year deal with Yi.
Needing to wait until 2009 will suit the Chinese Basketball Association perfectly, for Yi won't be sidetracked from the mainland's campaign to win a medal at the 2008 Olympics.
China achieved their best-ever Olympic result last year in Athens when they reached the last eight thanks to an inspired Yao Ming. The experience of playing in the NBA had rubbed off on players like Yao, Mengke Bateer and Wang Zhizhi.
