Watching his face on tall and fancy digital billboards in Milwaukee, Yi Jianlian has his feet firmly planted on the ground as he enters his rookie season in the National Basketball Association.

The 2.12m hoop treasure has been the center of attention since joining the Bucks training camp on October 5. After spending a couple of days with his new teammates and coaches, Yi understands he will face challenges both on and off the court, just like all the other rookies in the league.

China's Yi Jianlian (R), the sixth pick in the 2007 NBA draft, takes a jump shot in his first game at the Milwaukee Bucks' scrimmage on Saturday. Yi scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds. [Xinhua] Yi attended a grand welcome ceremony by the local Chinese community yesterday. Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett named October 7 "Yi's Day".

"All the rookies will have some tough times in the NBA, I am no exception," Yi told Sohu.com. "For sure I am aware of the difficulties ahead of me, so I'm going to work harder to earn my place on the team."

"I think most important for me now is to develop myself, and then in the long run I can do more for the team," said the rookie. "I should practice more to know more about the defense here so we can do better."

"On the freeway I saw a big electronic billboard and my picture was on it," Yi said through an interpreter. "It was a big surprise to me and it made me feel excited. It's a beautiful city, nice downtown, you've got a lake, you've got a river It seems comfortable here."

【体坛英语资讯：Yi starts new life in Milwaukee】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Daniel Radcliffe and girlfriend Laura OToole split up

★ 体坛英语资讯：China overpowered 77-83 in friendly

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohans Ronson ring

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Divorce costs former Beatle McCartney $48.7 mln

★ 体坛英语资讯：Peng upsets Mauresmo to reach semis at China Open

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Julia Roberts designs a first in Armani bracelet

★ 体坛资讯：Nadal bags French Open hat-trick

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Coldplay sets dates for extensive Viva La Vida tour

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Victoria Beckhams sweet surprise for husband David

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Quickie Vegas wedding for Pamela Anderson