高中英语经典阅读文章材料(2)

　　高中英语经典阅读文章(三)

　　Yi begins to shine

　　YAO Ming casts a long shadow over the NBA and not just because of his height. His personality and popularity have made him the iconic figure of Chinese basketball.

　　So from the moment Yi Jianlian landed in the NBA, there has been a lot of pressure on him. Is he capable of repeating Yao's success and establishing himself in this highly competitive league?

　　For Larry Krystkowiak, coach of Milwaukee Bucks (雄鹿队), Yi is fitting in well. On average he plays 28 minutes a game (a complete game is 48 minutes), scoring 11 points and collecting six rebounds (篮板球). "Really, I can't imagine it being much better.? It's gone beyond expectations," said Krystkowiak. "I don't think he came in here and anybody was ready to make it easy for him."

　　Yi, who admitted at the start that he put too much pressure on himself, is also getting more comfortable with his surroundings (周围环境).

　　He has stopped taking daily English lessons, although he still relies on a translator at times. The 19-year-old has begun to refine (改进) his tastes. He listens to more and more American music and no longer calls Las Vegas his favorite city. Instead, he now likes Los Angeles and San Francisco.

　　Yi's arrival also means Americans aren't calling him the second Yao Ming any more. In fact, several NBA players noted Yi's style is different from other international players.

　　"He comes in with a feel of aggressiveness (有闯劲) and authority (权威) on court," said Yi's teammate Michael Redd.

　　According to Xue Zhen, assistant editor of Titan Sports, the Chinese-language sports newspaper, Yi can make more of an impact than Yao. "Yi is more talented and has a brighter future ahead of him than Yao," he said.

　　So what does Yao think of Yi? Although Yao Ming said he hasn't had a chance to talk to Yi during the season, Yao said Yi's personality will allow him to adjust quicker than he did. Yao said it took him two seasons to get comfortable in Houston.

　　"He's just different," Yao said. "We are not the same type of person. He will adapt (适应) faster."