Yi Jianlian should make his own decision whether he will sign with NBA franchise Milwaukee Bucks or not, said a senior Chinese sports official here on Wednesday.

The seven-feet player was drafted by Bucks in the sixth pick in June's National Basketball Association Draft but has not made up his mind whether to sign with Bucks.

Cui Dalin, vice president of the State General Administration of Sports, said Yi should make his own decision when he gave a news conference to brief reporters about Chinese athletes' preparation for the Beijing Olympics.

"We support all excellent athletes to join high-level clubs abroad, where they will be tempered," he said. "As for Yi, we think it is up to him whether he goes to Bucks or not."

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2007)