The latest milestone in Yi Jianlian's glittering professional basketball career has arrived.

With two minutes and 44 seconds left in the game between Guangdong and Tianjin, Yi scored his 11,166th point in Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) through a tip shot, surpassing his former teammate Zhu Fangyu's 11,165 points.

It was neither his typical jump shot nor a thundering slam dunk, but nevertheless made him the all-time leading scorer in CBA history.

On previously hitting the 10,000-point mark, Yi described the meaning of the milestone to him. 

"It is for memory. What's more important is that I can get to use them to help my team win the game, win the championship. They are more valuable because of them."

It is a typical style of answer from him.

Simple, low-key.

Yi's passion for basketball comes from 17 years on court, playing a sport that has touched him to the bottom of his heart.

In the 2002-03 season, when the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship delayed him joining the team, he only got his chance to play in the round seven of CBA.

"I remembered it was against Jilin. They threw me a jersey. I remembered the only jersey left was number 9, so I played wearing the number," he said.

"I was quite excited when I got onto the court. I thought finally I got to play the professional league."

When reflecting on that moment later, Yi admitted it was when he truly fell in love with basketball.

A sudden opportunity, a random number 9, a seed was planted in the heart of a young man who was still under 16 years old. 

17 years on, that seed has endured adversity and hardships, finally making Yi the top man in the league, a well-deserved legend. 

For a player like Yi, already accustomed to big events and achievements, records may not stir any ripples in his heart. He has already reacted to honors and milestones with serenity, as they are only a moment on his journey.

That's all they entail.

Yi is a man who dislikes exposing his feelings; he tends to keep his emotions to himself.

From the newcomer in the 2002-03 season to the top man today, Yi has retained his simple side: a committed player on the court, a hardworking player off the court. Hardly any news unrelated to basketball can be found about him. Because of his introvert personality, he doesn't like taking interviews. Even facing the cameras, he only delivers his truest feelings, without much adornment.

It is this quiet, tall man who has become the most reliable person for Chinese basketball. No matter it is in the CBA league or in the national team, he is an indispensable leader.

But Yi didn't show signs of leadership initially. 

He was not the leader the first few years he played for Guangdong Hongyuan. Later when drafted to play in the NBA, for the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, he was no leader either. 

It wasn't until 2009, when Yao Ming had retired and Wang Zhizhi advanced into the late phase of his career that the responsibility of leadership descended upon Yi. The needs of Chinese basketball pushed Yi into the spotlight.

Since then, Yi Jianlian has been a true leader for Chinese basketball.

In 2011, despite establishing key roles in the league and the national team, Yi was still humble when dubbed a leader by the media. He responded without making it a big deal, saying, "I should be the one who shoulders the most in the team."

He turned to his actions to help prove his value and set an example.

The media has long wanted to celebrate Yi as a star. 

There is no entertainment spirit, there is no distinct personality. It is hard for any player to become a media favorite when he always keeps to himself.

However, Yi is an exception. His hard work, commitment and dedication made him the absolute superstar in the league, capturing the hearts of thousands of fans.

Yi's popularity is partly due to a lack of prominent players in this era. At a time when heroes are difficult to find, he stands out.

Possessing preeminent talents yet staying humble, working hard and sticking to his unique beliefs and persistence, he is a hallmark, a role model, someone followed and admired by younger generations. 

Chinese basketball needs more players like Yi Jianlian. Sadly, it is an unrealistic fantasy.

In the post-Yao Ming era, Chinese basketball has been devastated. Yi is the last light to drag Chinese basketball out of the darkness.

Yi, in a difficult era like this, has to shoulder the responsibility of going through the ups and downs of Chinese basketball and try his best to do what he can. 

However, it is also thanks to the limitations of the current era that his persistence and dedication prove so valuable. He has conquered the doubts and questions, turning out to be the king and winning respect.

Yi Jianlian is like a shining light in the darkness, presenting us with hope in Chinese basketball's journey ahead.

Chinese basketball is fortunate to have him. However, Yi deserves a better era than this.

We only hope that when Yi Jianlian decides to kiss the court goodbye, the glory he deserves in the basketball arena can be bright enough to match his dedication and talents.