SHENZHEN, June 7 -- YI JIANLIAN might be seen as the new Yao Ming but Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard warned he faces huge challenges to be successful in the NBA.

The 20-year-old 2.12-meter power forward from Shenzhen will enter the 2007 Draft with high expectations and Howard recognizes he has talent, but says it will not be easy.

"Yi is definitely a great player, he is talented and quick, and he is one of the best hopefuls coming out in the draft this year. But a first-round pick doesn't guarantee you anything in your career," Howard told the China Daily on Tuesday.

"For me, the rookie year is extremely tough, it's so long and the size of the players you face every night is incredible."

Howard, who is in China to promote games in Shanghai and Macao in October between the Chinese national team, the Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, said Yi needs to stay focused.

"Some rookies don't realize how hard playing in the NBA really is. They might think it's a cake-walk, but it really is tough with a long 82-game season, practicing every day and getting up every morning and lifting weights," he said.

"The biggest thing about the NBA is mental toughness."

Yi is currently in Orlando for a pre-draft training camp and appears to be adapting well, conducting interviews in English and even finding time to hit the red carpet at the movie premieres of "Spider-Man 3" and "Shrek 3".

Along with Yi, seen as the best player to come out of China since Houston Rockets center Yao, Chinese point guard Sun Yue has also announced he will enter the draft.

Howard was the first overall selection in the 2004 Draft and offers a good example of how a rookie can adjust to life in the NBA, averaging 12 points in his first season.

"I am just staying focused," he said. "I just try to worry about what I need to accomplish on the court and off the court, and try not to get caught up in the media and all the hype or anything."