The drafting of Yi Jianlian already is paying off for the Bucks on the court. The rookie forward from China is averaging 10 points and five rebounds in his first 24 games.

And, he's helping out off the court, too.

The Bucks today announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with Peak, a Chinese manufacturer or athletic footwear and sports apparel.

Peak already appears on courtside signage and will have a presence on the team's Web site, bucks.com.

"As basketball experiences rapid growth in China, the Milwaukee Bucks franchise has particularly become very well-known in our country. We are happy to associate with the Bucks and use Milwaukee Bucks games and broadcasts to build our brand," Peak vice president / general manager Xi Zhihua said in a statement.

Peak has existing agreements with the NBA and the Houston Rockets to elevate brand awareness in domestic and international markets. Peak began in the early 1990s as China's first manufacturer of large-sized sports shoes. It has since developed a full line of fashion and performance footwear and apparel.

"This is an important new partnership for the Milwaukee Bucks," Bucks Vice President Ron Walter said. "Peak is China's top brand in the sports footwear and apparel market. We are pleased to join with them in furthering their business goals here and in China."