Bucks forward Yi Jianlian went through his first practice with the team this morning at the team's training facility in St. Francis.

When the 2 ½-hour session was over, the 7-foot forward addressed the media -- in English and Chinese.

Asked about Milwaukee, a city his handlers wanted him to avoid, Yi said: "When I got to the city last night, on the freeway I saw the big electronic billboard, and my picture was on it. It was a big surprise to me and I felt excited.

"It's a beautiful city -- you've got a lake, a river. It seems comfortable here."

Yi, who flew 14 hours from Shanghai to Chicago on Wednesday, will take part in the team's annual media / photo day on Friday.