Chinese forward Yi Jianlian withdrew from the 2006 NBA draft this summer, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced on Wednesday.

The CBA said the Guangdong Hongyuan informed the decision to the Chinese governing body after an executive meeting of the club.

"It's not a good time for Yi to play in NBA," said Hu Jiashi, vice president of China's Basketball Administrative Bureau.

Hu said the club was afraid that Yi would have little playing time if he could be drafted by any NBA team.

According to the statement of the Hongyuan club, Yi agreed on the decision and was ready to be recruited by the national team.

Sun Yue, guard of the Beijing Aoshen, announced for the NBA draft, according to local reports. Hu said the CBA received no confirmation from the Aoshen.

"Aoshen is traveling in Europe. We cannot contract with the club. We are not sure whether Sun will go for the draft. But we respect any decision from the club and the player," Hu said.

Source: Xinhua