原計劃應在6月10日歸隊的孫悅因為在NBA試訓而未能按時歸隊，于是，中國男籃主帥尤納斯與孫悅效力的奧俱樂部發生了一場“口水”風波。老尤認為孫悅此時不應參加選秀，對其能力提出質疑；奧神則指責尤納斯詆毀孫悅，干擾其參加選秀。不想，此事竟也引起了國際媒體的關注，請看路透相關報道。

China's national team coach Jonas Kazlauskas has sharply criticised star guard Sun Yue, seen here in 2006, for missing preparations for the Beijing Olympics while trying out for NBA teams. [AFP]

China's national team coach Jonas Kazlauskas has sharply criticised star guard Sun Yue for missing preparations for the Beijing Olympics while trying out for NBA teams, state press said Monday.

Sun, a 2.06-metre (six-foot-eight-inch) point guard with the Beijing Aoshen club, impressed NBAscoutsduring a pre-draft training camp in Orlando in late May and is hoping to be picked in the NBA's annualdrafton June 28.

But Kazlauskas, China's Lithuanian coach, doesn't think the 21-year-old is ready for prime time in the world's top league and wants him back with the national team, state press reported.

"If you ask me which skill Sun needs to improve in terms of playing in the NBA, I'd tell you he needs an all-around improvement, because he is not strong enough to join the games there."

Kazlauskas says that by staying in the United States, the star guard could be jeopardising his place in the national side for the showcase Olympic tournament next year.

His comments created a storm in China, with Sun's team protesting to the China Basketball Association and demanding an apology from the coach.

The team is also threatening to sue the coach for defaming their star player, the report said.

"This is notdefamation, this is the reality that Chinese players have to face," Kazlauskas said.

"If you don't want to accept the truth, how can you help the team to prepare for the Beijing Olympics?"

So far the China Basketball Association is standing by Kazlauskas, but also says it supports Sun's effort to join the NBA.

During the past season, Sun helped Aoshen to a third-place finish in the American Basketball Association, where the club plays in Los Angeles.

The guard has worked out with the Sacramento Kings and is currently trying out with the Washington Wizards. NBA draft pundits say he could be a second-round pick in the coming draft.

（Agencies） 

Vocabulary: 

scout:星探

draft：選秀

defamation：誹謗

（英語點津陳蓓編輯）