http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10065The Los Angeles Lakers introduced guard Sun Yue to local media on Wednesday afternoon at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. He recently signed a two-year, guaranteed deal with the franchise for the league minimum. General Manager Mitch Kupchak introduced Sun, noting the 22-year old guard prefers to be called "Q." Sun (or Q) thanked the Lakers for making his dream come true. His opening statement was brief, "I'm Chinese player coming from China. I'm 6'9". I'm a point guard."The Lakers chose Sun with the 40th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He recently started on the Chinese National Team in the Olympics, playing against the likes of future teammate Kobe Bryant. The two spoke briefly after Team USA beat China 101-70. "He just told me he'd see me soon in training camp," said Sun. While he's met a couple of his fellow Lakers, Bryant is the only one he's played any basketball with (or rather against).
Sun was appreciative of the time spent playing for his country. "In the Olympics, the coach put me in the first five," said Sun. "For me, it's a big trust. I had to play hard to make people think his decision is right." It's difficult to anticipate how quickly Sun will develop. He'll be playing behind Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar and my not get a lot of time on the court. "I'm a rookie. My first year goal is just try to practice hard and do everything that the coach wants," said Sun. "I'm a rookie I can't ask for too much." He was also honest about what he perceives to be his biggest shortcoming, "My body is too skinny for the NBA." Sun is confident that his transition to the NBA and American society will be smooth. In an odd happenstance back in 2005, the Beijing Aoshen Olympians refused to release Sun to the Chinese Basketball Association - and moved all the way to Los Angeles to play in the modern American Basketball Association (ABA). It was his Aoshen coach who gave him the nickname "Q-Tip." In his second year playing in the ABA, Sun made the All-ABA First Team averaging 13.5 points on 46% shooting, 10.5 assists, six boards and two blocks. "They may not have NBA players who are strong, fast and skilled that good," said Sun defending the talent level in the ABA. "But they're fast. They're strong." Sun's English is solid. He had an interpreter with him at the conference Wednesday but handled most of the questions without assistance. Ironically when Brian Kamenetzky of the Los Angeles Times Lakers Blog asked, "How much easier do you think it will be for you to adjust and learn in your rookie year because you have an understanding of the language?" - Sun turned to his interpreter for translation. Some of his comments didn't necessarily convert perfectly across the language gap. "I think I'm an average player. I like to do all things on the basketball court. When I defend, when I pass the ball, when I block - I enjoy it," said Sun describing his game. "Basketball makes my life so happy. I think I'm average - not one skill very, very good - but not one skill very, very bad."
Perhaps the more accurate term would have been well-rounded, but the Lakers would certainly be satisfied if Sun developed into the kind of player worthy of the league's average salary (the Mid-Level Exception of nearly $5.6 million). As far as his adjustment to America, Sun will have a support team. "I know how to drive. I have a Chinese driver's license but it doesn't work here," said Sun. "I don't think I have time to go learn drive American - so I have staff, people here to drive me around." Sun says he's thrilled to be with the Lakers. He's been a fan of the NBA since he was a child. "When I watched the Chicago Bulls (watching Michael Jordan), I started dreaming about maybe someday I can stand on that court and play with NBA players," said Sun. "I've always liked Phil Jackson's coaching style and his triangle offense. I've seen the Bulls then the Los Angeles Lakers - for five or six years I always see the same style - the triangle offense. For me right now the big problem is how to get into the offense." Sun noted that he has watched a DVD breaking down the team's offensive system numerous times and looks forward to learning it firsthand. "The Lakers are always my favorite team. Before when I started to play professional basketball (like 15 years old), I started watching the Lakers game," said Sun. "The Lakers help my dream come true - so it feels good." Sun has worked hard to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Yao Ming (and more recently Yi Jianlian). It's been a long road to the NBA but he's both excited to make his mark - but also realistic that his journey begins anew - from the bottom. "You have this dream. You always work hard for your dream. I just finished the first part," said Sun. "I have to work hard for the second part - to stay here and play longer." UPDATE: Sun tested positive for mononucleosis late Wednesday night and is out indefinitely. More on this odd turn next week.
