There are two views about rookie. One is that Yi Jianlian, 33, is still at his peak, and he dares to fight hard on the court, especially as a rookie who just debuted. Second, because there are too many strong teams in Guangdong men's basketball team, Yi Jianlian is often rested by rotation, or is pressed on the bench to keep the drinking fountain, and treated like a rookie.

After the semi-final of CBA, Yi Jianlian was often rested or pressed on the bench, and many commentators also teased Yi Jianlian for being busy picking litchi and bringing goods. When No.9+Rookie+Litchi combined, Yi Jianlian had a nickname "No.9 Litchi Rookie".

From the little brother of CBA to the big brother now, Yi Jianlian's basketball journey can be described as arduous and tortuous. But he finally stood at the peak of professional basketball and became one of the representatives of China basketball. His success not only won the admiration of fans, but also touched the whole basketball circle in China.

Yi Jianlian, as a veteran basketball player, is experienced and recognized for his leadership. He will continue to be the leader of China basketball and lead the China basketball team to a higher glory. Yi Jianlian will always be an irreplaceable legend for fans and China basketball.

Early experience

At the age of 2, Yi Jianlian moved to Shenzhen, Guangdong with his parents who were transferred from work. 1999,1.94m, A Lian and his partners signed up for the Shenzhen Street Basketball Competition, and were eliminated in the first round, but Dai Yixin, the coach of amateur sports school on the sidelines, noticed the basketball potential of A Lian.

He first persuaded his parents to let him take part in the training of Shenzhen Sports School, then contacted the coach in charge of youth training at Guangdong Hongyuan South Tiger Club in CBA, designed a systematic training plan for the United Arab League, and began his basketball career. In May, 2002, Yi Jianlian participated in the AdidasABCD China Training Camp held by Beijing Sport University and won the MVP.

In July, Yi Jianlian represented China in the ABCD training camp held by Adidas in New Jersey, USA. Yi Jianlian became the only player from outside the United States among the 246 participants. He grabbed 5.2 rebounds per game, ranking first in training camp.