Up Close with Yao Ming
By:
Bill Ingram
Last Updated: 10/14/07 11:32 PM ET
| 684 times read
Yao Ming was in good spirits as he sat looking around the Houston Rockets' locker room just before his team's blowout victory over the Euroleague champions from Greece. Steve Francis was happily joking around from the locker right next to Yao's and the locker room was full of happy faces and laughter. Yao had a glow in his eye as we sat down to talk about his summer and this new Rockets team.
You started the summer by playing a little bit with Hakeem Olajuwon. I know you grew up watching him in the championships; how was it to actually play with him?
"It was a great experience, of course. I don't know how many guys get a chance to be taught by Hakeem Olajuwon. Most people don't get that chance, and that's why I say it was a great experience for me. I got to play a little bit with one of the best centers in the history of the NBA - particularly since he's from Houston, played for the Houston Rockets. He's a legend for the city, so that was a big honor for me."
Carroll Dawson came over to China to work with you a little bit after some of the personnel changes that were made here. What did you guys work on over there?
"Overall basketball skills. He tried to improve my basketball skills. Shooting, hook shots, post-ups, trying to get the ball deeper, and anything to help me get better."
Are you excited by some of the roster moves? Steve Francis is back, Mike James, Luis Scola . . .
"We're talking about Steve Francis being back, right (laughing)? That's the most exciting thing for me this summer. I'm happy for him to be back to the city and playing for us again. We believe he'll help us have a great season."
What do you think of Luis Scola? Like you, he's a big man who can do a lot of things with the ball.
"My experience playing against him in international games - he's not a very athletic player, but he's very smart. He knows the game, he knows where he needs to be, he has great timing, he always shows up in the right place at the right time. That's what I know about him. He'll fit in very well with our team."
You've had one game in the Rick Adelman system and looked pretty comfortable out at the free throw line extended. What do you think about Adelman's system so far?
"In his system you have to play smart. You have to read the ball every second on the court because some of the plays aren't called, so you have to read your teammate, where he's going, where the ball is and then react to the ball. You can't just run the play and think this is the play your'e running and follow one play from start to finish."
Adelman also brought in Jack Sikma to work with you. Are you getting comfortable with the new assistant coaching staff?
"Yes, and of the assistant coaches Jack Sikma is the main guy who works with me, particularly on free throw line skills. How to catch the ball, how to face up, how to find an open teammate, and pass to targets."
Do you already get the feeling with all of the changes made that this will be an improved team this season?
"The thing is we have so many talented players in this locker room. From that standpoint, of course, we're better than last year. But we still have a lot of work to do. Winning doesn't come to you just because you have talented players."
Yao Ming went out and scored 21 points in only 28 minutes of a blow out win. Most of Houston's games will require more of their superstar center, but it's a challenge he can't wait to accept . . .especially with this new and improved Houston team surrounding him.
About the Author: BILL INGRAM
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Bill Ingram is a Senior Writer for HOOPSWORLD, powering HOOPSWORLD.com. Bill covers the entire NBA and the Western Conference from Dallas. He is a member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association and has been covering the NBA for ten seasons.
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