Colin Pine
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Colin Pine is the well-known interpreter for basketball sensation Yao Ming. He is an alumnus of James Madison University ('96), where he was an English major, as well as of the intensive International Chinese Language Program ('99) in Taipei, Taiwan. Prior to his enrollment at ICLP, Pine lived for two years in Taiwan during which he worked at a trading company. He is a co-star of the documentary of Yao Ming's rookie year, The Year of the Yao. Before working as an interpreter, Pine had considered going to law school and did some freelance translation, including translating Chinese newspaper articles for the US State Department. Pine originally was hired to perform translation for Yao Ming, but unlike most other translation jobs, Pine lives with Yao Ming, helps him to understand American culture, runs errands for him, sorts his bills, and has even taught him to drive. Pine follows Yao Ming to any NBA function, including games, team meetings, and practices, but as Yao Ming previously already knew some English and over the years has acquired much more, he is used most often in Yao's interactions with the media. He is also the go-between between Yao and his advisory group, Team Yao. A strong friendship appears to have developed between Yao Ming and Colin Pine.
