How Kohl Sealed Deal With Yi

Sen. Herb Kohl is accustomed to the intricate circles of influence in Washington, D.C

On Wednesday, Kohl became a power broker in a different sphere as he sat in Hong Kong with Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian and his representatives at the Peninsula Hotel.

Kohl, the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and the team's president, was integral during the negotiation process as the Bucks reached agreement with the 7-foot Yi, who signed a multiyear deal with the National Basketball Association franchise.

The talks, which included Bucks general manager Larry Harris, ended about 3 p.m. in Hong Kong (about 2 a.m. Wednesday Milwaukee time).

Now, instead of a long stalemate dragging into training camp or beyond, the Bucks can begin making the plans that will include the No. 6 overall pick in this year's draft.

Early Wednesday morning, Kohl said Yi and his parents, along with Guangdong Tigers owner Chen Haitao, were impressed with the Bucks' "willingness to literally go the last mile, which is to come here."

Harris and team vice president Ron Walter also were present for the meetings with Chinese basketball officials, including Chen. Both Harris and Walter helped persuade Yi and his agents, easing their doubts over his role within the team.

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source : jsonline.com