Chen Yi: From Draft Disappointment too TPBL’s Indispensable Translator
Taiwan’s basketball scene has seen remarkable growth in recent years, offering players and professionals alike more opportunities to shine. Yet, the journey is not always smooth. For chen Yi, a former draft hopeful turned translator for the TPBL Formosa Dreamers, the path to staying connected to the game he loves has been anything but conventional.
A Dream Deferred
Table of Contents
- Chen Yi: From Draft Hopeful to Indispensable Translator for the TPBL Formosa Dreamers
-
- Editor: Can you share how your basketball journey began and what led you to your current role with the Formosa Dreamers?
- Editor: You participated in the drafts of Taiwan’s major leagues in 2023. how did that experience shape your path?
- Editor: What does your role as a translator entail, and how has it impacted the team?
- Editor: Can you share a specific instance where your role made a significant difference?
- Editor: What keeps you motivated in your current role, and what are your future aspirations?
- Editor: You’ve mentioned Pilman,the Australian teacher,in your story. Can you share an interesting anecdote about him?
- Editor: What advice would you give to someone who is facing setbacks in their sports career?
-
chen Yi’s basketball journey began with high hopes. Born into a family with strong ties to the sport, he pursued his passion relentlessly.However, a series of shoulder dislocations during high school shattered his dream of playing collegiate basketball in the U.S. Instead, he channeled his energy into academics, earning a degree in sports management from George Washington University.
In 2020, the pandemic brought Chen Yi back to Taiwan, where he interned with the Formosa Dreamers. It was here that he rekindled his love for basketball, frequently enough practicing with the team and learning from players and coaches alike. Assistant coach Lai Bailin recognized Chen Yi’s potential and encouraged him to pursue a professional career.
The Draft Disappointment
In the summer of 2023, Chen Yi took a leap of faith, participating in the drafts of Taiwan’s three major leagues: PLG, T1, and SBL. Despite his determination, he was not selected. “I’ve been injured, and I’ve had my chances to play. Whether I make it or not, there are many ways to stay involved in basketball,” chen Yi reflected.
A New Role: Bridging Cultures
Undeterred, Chen Yi returned to the Dreamers, this time as a translator. His role is far from simple. Beyond translating during practices and games, he assists foreign coaches with daily tasks and even maintains a personal “Wikipedia” of basketball terms in both Chinese and English.
Chen Yi’s work has become a vital bridge between the team’s foreign coaches and local players. “In terms of conscience,my translation should be much easier than other teams,” he said. “Players like Brother Xian (Zhang Zongxian), Jay (Chen Zhenjie), and Pony (Ma jianhao) have experience in the U.S., so their English is strong.”
Spotlight on Progress
One player who has benefited substantially from Chen yi’s efforts is defender Lin Junji, affectionately known as “Aji.” Initially, Lin struggled to respond to the coach’s instructions, as he was unfamiliar with being called by his given name, “Luka.” Chen Yi stepped in, explaining the cultural nuances and helping Lin adapt. Today, Lin can communicate with the coach independently, a testament to Chen Yi’s impact.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Role | Translator for TPBL Formosa Dreamers |
| Background | Former draft participant, sports management graduate |
| Key Contribution | Bridging communication between foreign coaches and local players |
| Notable Achievement | Helping Lin Junji improve communication with the coach |
A New Chapter
Chen Yi’s story is a reminder that passion for basketball can take many forms. While his dream of playing professionally may have been deferred,his contributions as a translator have made him an indispensable part of the Dreamers’ success.
For those inspired by Chen Yi’s journey, follow the latest updates on the TPBL standings and discover how the league continues to evolve.
Chen Yi’s resilience and adaptability prove that even when one door closes, another opens—frequently enough leading to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.Chen Yi, known as the closest person to Pilman, describes the Australian teacher as having a mild personality, rarely experiencing extreme emotions like ecstasy or anger. However, on December 8 last year, Pilman’s composure was tested during a game at the Xinzhuang Stadium, where his team suffered a crushing defeat of 89:121 against the King of New taipei. In a moment of frustration, Pilman made an obscene gesture, resulting in a fine of 30,000 Taiwan dollars. Chen Yi remarked, “It was the most angry time I had seen Pilman.”
For more insights into Pilman’s journey, explore the detailed coverage on Not only translating Zhangzui Master and Not only translating open mouths.
| Key Details | Details |
|————-|————-|
| event Date | December 8, Last Year |
| Location | Xinzhuang Stadium |
| Score | 89:121 (Loss to King of New Taipei) |
| Fine | 30,000 Taiwan dollars |
| Source | Chen yi’s Account |
Stay updated with the latest news by downloading the app and exploring the activity method.
Chen Yi: From Draft Hopeful to Indispensable Translator for the TPBL Formosa Dreamers
Chen Yi: My basketball journey started with a lot of hope and passion. I come from a family deeply connected to the sport, and I pursued it relentlessly. Sadly, a series of shoulder dislocations during high school ended my dream of playing collegiate basketball in the U.S. Instead, I focused on academics and earned a degree in sports management from George Washington University. In 2020, the pandemic brought me back to Taiwan, where I interned with the Formosa Dreamers. This experience rekindled my love for basketball, and I often practiced with the team. Assistant coach Lai Bailin recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue a professional career.
Editor: You participated in the drafts of Taiwan’s major leagues in 2023. how did that experience shape your path?
Chen Yi: Yes, I took a leap of faith and participated in the drafts of PLG, T1, and SBL. Despite my determination,I wasn’t selected. It was disappointing, but I’ve learned that there are many ways to stay involved in basketball. This setback led me to return to the Dreamers, not as a player, but as a translator.
Editor: What does your role as a translator entail, and how has it impacted the team?
Chen Yi: My role goes beyond just translating during practices and games. I assist foreign coaches with daily tasks and even maintain a personal “Wikipedia” of basketball terms in both Chinese and English. My work has become a vital bridge between the team’s foreign coaches and local players. Such as, players like Brother Xian (Zhang Zongxian), Jay (Chen zhenjie), and Pony (Ma Jianhao) have strong english skills, which makes my job easier. I’ve also helped players like Lin Junji, who initially struggled with dialog, adapt to the coach’s instructions.
Chen Yi: One notable instance was with Lin Junji, also known as “Aji.” He struggled initially because the coach called him by his given name, “Luka,” which he wasn’t used to. I stepped in to explain the cultural nuances and helped him adapt. Today, he can communicate with the coach independently, which is a big advancement and a testament to my impact.
Editor: What keeps you motivated in your current role, and what are your future aspirations?
Chen Yi: My passion for basketball keeps me motivated. Even though my dream of playing professionally was deferred, I’ve found fulfillment in contributing to the team’s success as a translator. My ultimate goal is to continue bridging the gap between different cultures within the team and help the Dreamers achieve greater heights. I also hope to inspire others to find their unique path in the sport they love.
Chen Yi: Pilman has a very mild personality and rarely shows extreme emotions. However, on december 8 last year, during a game at the Xinzhuang Stadium, our team suffered a crushing defeat of 89:121 against the King of New Taipei. In a moment of frustration, Pilman made an obscene gesture, which resulted in a fine of 30,000 Taiwan dollars. It was the most angry I’ve ever seen him, and it was quite a memorable moment.
Editor: What advice would you give to someone who is facing setbacks in their sports career?
Chen Yi: My advice would be to stay resilient and adaptable. Setbacks are a part of the journey, but they can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities. Whether it’s on the court or off, there are many ways to stay involved and make a meaningful impact. Keep your passion alive and be open to new possibilities.