He represented China at the Athens Olympics and World Championships last year in Japan, but has yet to shine against stronger international opponents.

"He needs more muscle, that's for sure," Yao told the paper. "He lacks the upper body strength and the back to the basket moves at power forward and is a bit long and rangy for the three.

"Despite his vast improvement, he needs to continue to develop his upper body strength. Although he doesn't shy away from physical contact he can get disrupted by rough post play and struggles to maintain his position in the low post as opposing defenders tend to push him out."

In last year's draft an international player, Italian Andrea Bargnani, was taken first pick by Toronto Raptors. This year the draft is considered much stronger, with US college prospects Greg Oden and Kevin Durant battling for first pick. Yi is predicted to go between 6th and 12th.

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