Dongguan Basketball Center, Guangdong, a historic moment is frozen here. When Yi Jianlian's jersey slowly rose above the arena, it announced that the Chinese basketball superstar's career came to a successful end. As a sports blogger, I had the privilege of witnessing this moment and felt that the story behind it was worth savoring.
Turn the clock back to 2000, when Yi Jianlian was just a young boy playing on the streets of Shenzhen. An ordinary street basketball game became a turning point in his fate. Wu Di, the proprietress of Guangdong Hongyuan Club, discovered this teenager with unlimited potential with her unique vision. It can be said that without Wu Di, there would be no Yi Jianlian today.
I think Wu Di's influence on Yi Jianlian is not only due to her initial discovery, but also to her subsequent careful cultivation and firm support. When Yi Jianlian stepped on the CBA arena as a newcomer to Guangdong Hongyuan in 2002, it was Wu Di's trust that gave him confidence and strength. In that era when basketball was not as hot as it is today, it was Wu Di's dedication and persistence that paved a path to superstar for Yi Jianlian.
Yi Jianlian has proved his worth with his strength and hard work in his career in the CBA. In the 2005-06 season, he averaged 20.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, a statistic that still shines even on the court today. But the stats are only scratching the surface, and what is more important is the mental strength and leadership qualities he brings to the team.
When Yi Jianlian expressed his desire to go to the NBA to Wu Di, Wu Di did not stop him, but gave him the greatest support. This kind of open-mindedness and foresight is not something that every club owner can achieve. Yi Jianlian's experience in the NBA not only improved his basketball skills, but also allowed him to show the style of Chinese basketball on the international stage.
A few years later, when Yi Jianlian decided to return to China to continue his basketball career, Wu Di once again stood up and expressed his unwavering support for the former disciple with a five-year contract worth hundreds of millions of yuan. This contract is not only a recognition of Yi Jianlian's personal ability, but also an affirmation of his contributions to Guangdong Hongyuan Club and even Chinese basketball over the years.
At the jersey retirement ceremony, Yi Jianlian thanked Wu Di for his silent support in his speech. This gratitude is sincere and deep. Because for Yi Jianlian, Wu Di is not only the guide of his career, but also an important mentor on his life path.
As a sports blogger, I deeply feel that the story of Yi Jianlian and Wu Di is not only a basketball legend, but also a life lesson about trust, perseverance and dreams. In this seemingly glamorous world of sports, they use their practical actions to interpret what is the real sportsmanship.
In my opinion, Yi Jianlian's retirement is not only the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter. His jersey may be hung high, but his basketball spirit and story will forever inspire future players and fans. And Wu Di, the hero behind the scenes, will also be remembered by history because of her vision and mind.
In this fast-changing world of sports, let's look forward to the rise of the next basketball legend, and let's not forget the people who paved the way for athletes. They are also an indispensable part of this wonderful world.