Yao Ming had unofficially 5 points, 5 blocks, and maybe 5 rebounds. As a whole the Chinese team intimidated the Philippine team. Having to face Yao Ming told them even before the game that they were going to lose. But Yao Ming wasn't that strong, and he has a tendency to crouch low. I don't know if his height gives him a posture problem. Yao Ming has to build his muscles if he wants to be able to get serious minutes and guard burly big men like Shaquille O'Neal.
If that's so, then the whole NBA might as well call it quits, because no one is going to be able to play serious minutes and bang with Shaq. No one that is until another 7ft 350lb linebacker decides to play basketball. But please don't misunderstand me here. I don't think it's necessary to have to "bang" with Shaq to win. I believe Shaq will get his points. What I'm hoping for is that with Yao Ming's finesse game, he'll actually make Shaq have to work on defense. With Shaq's increased weight, I see him getting less mobile and winded more quickly as the season goes on.
China is holding him back so he doesn't get hurt. They don't want to run him down either. Probably a Rockets request. China doesn't want to risk their $$$ either.
If Shaq doesnt start losing some of his bulk, he wont last a whole lot longer. Definately not into his late 30s and 40s like a lot of great centers have! I bet that he starts devoloping leg, knee and more foot problems in the coming years.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/abs_news_body.asp?section=Sports&OID=5338 Good article about this game and Yao's performance.
The Philippinos are the biggest homers. If you think we're bad, they are homer supreme. They'll stay positive and say their margin of defeat to China was the lowest and that the Chinese NT was just lucky. As if losing to China by only 40 was something to brag about.
Personally, I hope the CNT keeps him on the bench a lot. He'll need all the rest he can get before coming to the NBA. Avoiding injury is another good reason. I just don't want Yao to be burnt out by the time he joins the Rockets.
Thanks, windandsea. Looks like they're limiting his minutes, as they should. (I wish he wasn't diving on the floor for the ball! Not now, anyway. )
Ming played at first Q and third Q, let's see what kind of contribution he brought to the team on defence and offence when he was on the court although he didn't get many points. stat of this game. http://busanasiangames.org/Eng/ag/b..._Grp=A&Gm_Part=&Language=ENG&GM_DATE=20021008
Well, he beat up my home country pretty good. Born in Manila, Philippines but raised all but one year in Houston, TX!!!
I was thinking about that too. A 7'6" guy diving for the ball! That says a lot about his competitiveness. Man, I can't wait to see him play here.
Ming really needs to bulk up a bit!!And introduced him to some medium rare grade A premium angus steaks!!
