China’s Yi Jianlian ‘better than before’ ahead of KO stage in FIBA Asia

YI Jianlian vs ALDERAZI Mohamed PBA IMAGES/NUKI SABIO

MANILA, Philippines — Yi Jianlian gave defending champion China a reason to feel good about heading into the knockout stages of the 27th FIBA Asia men’s Championship in Manila.

The seven-foot Yi, who has been battling a hamstring injury throughout the tournament, felt the hardwood for the first time since sitting out four games to rest his injury and did just fine in China’s 88-66 rout of Bahrain Wednesday.

“First two rounds just finished today. The most important [round] is coming. Tomorrow’s rest is going to be important for us,” said Yi, the former NBA Draft lottery pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007, after tallying 12 points on five-of-seven shooting from the field and six rebounds in a little less than 13 minutes of play.

“[I’m feeling] better than before,” added Yi. “Right now, I’m just getting my body ready, get my mind ready and to have a good rest.”

China, ranked no.3 in Group F behind leader Iran and second-running Korea, arranged a date with erstwhile undefeated Chinese Taipei. The Taiwanese lost their grasp of the top spot in Group E after Qatar edged them, 71-68.