BEIJING - 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.

NBA Commissioner David Stern(L) poses for a photo with Yi Jianlian after he was drafted sixth by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2007 NBA Draft in June 2007. Milwaukee Bucks general manager Larry Harris is confident that Chinese power forward Yi will play for his National Basketball Association club when the season opens in three months. [AFP]

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."