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Yi Jianlian, the NBA Milwaukee Bucks Rookie, Interview

There was an interview done by sacbee with nba rookie Yi Jianlian:

Q: How have fans around the league been greeting you as a rookie? Have you been pleased with the reception?

A: I have found that when I get to all the NBA cities, my welcome is really passionate. Coming here (from China) is definitely a big move for me. Coming to the NBA, I can definitely feel that every time that I walk into an arena that the fans are very welcoming.

Q: What has it been like to adapt to American culture?

A: It’s been really good so far, adapting to my life outside of the court in America, as well as playing basketball here.

Q: What has been the biggest surprise for you off the court, in the culture itself?

A: The weather.

Q: It’s been good weather or bad weather?

A: Here (in the West) it’s good weather. In Milwaukee, it’s my first time in the snow in the city. It’s fun. But it’s cold.

Q: How do you think you’ll do in your first winter in Milwaukee when it gets really cold?

A: For me, maybe (I will) stay inside. Stay inside the house. It’s nice.

Q: You grew up in the southern part of China, so there was never any snow?

A: There was no snow. For me, this is the first time.

Q: Was that something that you worried about before you came over?

A: I didn’t worry about it, because I had been to the U.S. six times before. I already knew a little bit about the U.S.

Q: What’s been your favorite city?

A: San Francisco. California is nice.

Q: There was some talk after the draft, when there was uncertainty about where you would end up (while hoping to force a trade) that Sacramento was one of the places you had wanted to go. Was there anything to that?

A: It’s really not important at this point because I’m playing for the Bucks. That’s really what is on my mind.