China’s President Tells Yi, Yao: “We Expect Your Superb Performance”

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NetsDaily)</div><div class='quotemain'>It was billed as a meeting to boost the morale of China’s Olympic athletes, but Chinese President Hu Jintao also let Chinese basketball players know what he and the nation expects. Meeting with Yi Jianlian, Yao Ming and the rest of Team China, Hu said, “We Chinese people pay lots of attention to basketball and expect your superb performance in matches. I hope you can show your best at the Games.”</div>

President Hu boosts morale of country's Olympians as Games near - - Xinhua

Puttin the pressure on Yi. This will be interesting to see. I hope he produces..

 

[Jumpman]

Sun Yue better do good!

 

[danxcr]

jumpman that is a great avatar LOL... with the oscar... hehe just noticed

 

[yinets1860]

I watched this news on CCTV，and Yi said he was very happy in his blog。

 

[Vintage]

Oh, the Chinese gov't.

Such an easy target to make fun of, really....

 

[danxcr]

i hope Yi comes into his own during these games so hes ready for the nba season...

 

[AhLian]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (danxcr @ Jul 23 2008, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>i hope Yi comes into his own during these games so hes ready for the nba season...</div>

The Olympics can't physically improve him; they will wear him down and fatigue him, thus setting him behind some sophomores. However, a strong showing in the top 6 would definitely boost his esteem and confidence come next season. There are a lot of pros and cons concerning the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the case of Yi.

 

[Lavalamp]

With Yao coming back from an injury, is this Yi's team?

What kind of condition is Yao in at this point, he's been out for a while now hasn't he?

 

[AhLian]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lavalamp @ Jul 23 2008, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>With Yao coming back from an injury, is this Yi's team?</div>

Not even close. Yao Ming is still the load-carrier for the China National Team. If you watched their games, he is their first option on offence and the most relied on scorer and defender. Yi's role diminished quite a bit upon Yao's return because Yi and Wang Zhizhi are constantly switching roles at the PF/C thus Yi is not stable in his play style as of right now.