LOS ANGELES — Yi Jianlian (pronounced yee chon-len), the likely top-10 NBA draft pick from China, is billed as the next Yao Ming, but don't be fooled.
He's 7 feet tall, 247 pounds and quite an athlete, more akin to a power or small forward than a center such as the Houston Rockets' Yao at 7-6, 310.
Yi is quicker, faster and much springier. He's an excellent shooter up to 18-20 feet and can hit three-pointers, too.
Back in the W.N.B.A. after a two-year absence, Michael Cooper has noticed improved play around the league.
Its definitely on the rise, said Cooper, the coach of the Los Angeles Sparks. Many of the players on our team and throughout the league are getting bigger and better and faster and stronger. We got to come with our A game every night. Its not like in the past where you could get away with some things.
Cooper, who won five N.B.A. titles with the Lakers, coached the Sparks from 1999 to 2004, going 116-31. He won the leagues coach of the year award in 2000 after leading Los Angeles to a franchise-best 28-4 record. Cooper followed that with titles in 2001 and 2002, before losing to Detroit in the 2003 finals.
Well I've been on top, and then it seems I lost my dream
But I got it back, I'm feelin' better every day
Tell all those pencil pushers, better get out of my way
DENVER - The Denver Nuggets held cheerleader tryouts on Saturday.
Hopefuls gathered at the Pepsi Center for a shot at making the squad.
The cheerleaders perform at every Nuggets home game and at other special events throughout the year.
Back in the WNBA after a two-year absence, Michael Cooper has noticed the improved play around the league.
"It's definitely on the rise," the Los Angeles Sparks' coach said. "Many of the players on our team and throughout the league are getting bigger and better and faster and stronger. We got to come with our 'A' game every night. It's not like in the past where you could get away with some things."
Cooper, who won five NBA titles with the Lakers, coached the Sparks from 1999-04, going 116-31. He won the league's coach of the year award in 2000 after leading Los Angeles to a franchise-best 28-4 record. Cooper followed that with back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002, before losing to Detroit in the 2003 finals.
Fort Collins woman thinks she can dance (original) - 6/23/2007
76ers holding audition for guards (original) - 6/22/2007
Philadelphia 76ers 2007 Draft Preview (original) - 6/21/2007
Brawl rules continue to haunt NBA (original) - 6/21/2007
Sports Brief (original) - 6/21/2007
Kings choose Theus as coach (original) - 6/20/2007
Nuggets forward Nene returns to Brazil's national team (original) - 6/20/2007
Parker: Red Rocks fetes U2 concert film (original) - 6/20/2007
Rockets hire four coaches including Adelman?s son (original) - 6/20/2007
Rockets hire 4 assistants for Adelman (original) - 6/20/2007
Blogs related to Denver Nuggets:
San Antonio Spurs, Denver, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Sports, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies
