The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

BY GERY WOELFEL

ST. FRANCIS – Like most of the Milwaukee Bucks, Michael Ruffin was curious to see if his newest teammate, Yi Jianlian, was the goods.

It didn’t take him long to get an answer.

"In warm-ups, he took a 3-point shot from the corner,’’ Ruffin said of Yi, the Bucks’ ballyhooed No. 1 draft pick from China who worked out with the team for the first time Thursday morning.

"It was nothing but net. It was nice.’’

As Ruffin and his teammates discovered during the next two hours of practice, there are a lot of nice things to Yi’s game. He has a sweet shot, is capable of putting the ball on the floor with either hand and runs the floor like a gazelle.

Yi ‘s all-around game and physical skills suitably impressed the Bucks. They were equally impressed with his basketball acumen and his ability to quickly grasp the Bucks’ offensive and defensive schemes.

"It looks like he’s a smart player,’’ Bucks center Andrew Bogut said. "He picked things up pretty quick.’’

Small forward Bobby Simmons virtually echoed Bogut’s sentiments.

"He picked up the sets pretty quick,’’ Simmons said. "He was in the right place at the right time.’’

The Bucks certainly did their best to ease Yi’s transition. Even before he stepped onto the court at the Cousins Center in front of nearly 50 media members, including 10 from China, Yi had a fairly good understanding of the Bucks’ basic schemes.

Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak said Yi had been sent a mini-playbook of sorts while he was in China, and that he and Yi went over some of the plays again Wednesday night after Yi had arrived in Milwaukee. Krystkowiak also gave Yi individual instruction for about 20 minutes before the Bucks began praciting.

Yi’s teammates took over from there. After Yi went one-on-one and had the ball stripped by point guard Mo Williams, Michael Redd came over to Yi and offered his support by giving him a high-five. Minutes later, after Yi missed a shot, Redd came over to him again and patted him on the back,.

As the practice wore on, Awvee Storey, Dan Gadzuric, Williams and several other Bucks showed Yi the love.

"He was a little bit nervous today,’’ Bogut said of Yi. "But he’s going to be fine.’’

That was the consensus opinion of Bucks players, who were won over by Yi’s even-keel disposition, unpretentiousness and willingness to share the ball during scrimmages.

"He’s smooth, got a nice shot and he’s confident,’’ Dan Gadzuric said. " I liked the way he handled himself on the court.’’

Added Williams: "He’s a good player. He has a knack for the game, a good feel for the game. He did a good job.’’

While the Bucks were highly complimentary of Yi’s showing, he reciprocated by praising his fellow teammates and Krystkowiak.

"They are very nice player and they are nice guys,’’ Yi said through a translator. "This is the second time I met with coach Larry K and he’s taken good care of me and gave me a lot of details on what I should learn here. He’s doing a great job.

"I’m very excited.’’

YOU DON’T SAY:

Krystkowiak on Yi’s running ability: "I haven’t seen many big guys change ends like him. It’s pretty darn quick.’’

Krystkowiak on the Bucks’ off-season moves: "We didn’t bring in any turds.’’

Bogut on Yi: "He’ll be treated like a rookie. I’m sure some veterans will get on him -- just like they did my rookie year.’’

BONUS SHOTS: Coach Joey Meyer of the Tulsa 66ers -- the Bucks’ affiliate in the NBA Development League -- University of Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Close and former Iona coach Jerry Welsh, now a Bucks’ scout, watched practice. Welsh was an assistant coach for the USA National Team in the 1985 World Cup Games in Barcelona. One of the players on the team was Krystkowiak. ... The Yi fan club now has close to 1,000 members. The fan club’s Web Site is www.yifansclub.com