SHANGHAI: News that the wife of Yao Ming, the Houston Rockets' All-Star center, is pregnant has sent netizens rushing to predict Baby Yao's height and gender in the hopes that the child will someday lead the national basketball team.

Zhang Chi, spokesman of the Shanghai Sharks, confirmed that Yao and Ye Li, a former player on the Chinese women's national basketball team, are expecting their first child. The Sharks were recently purchased by Yao.

"The couple appreciate the public's concerns (about the expected baby)," said Zhang. "But to give Ye some space and peace of mind, the couple thinks it's inconvenient to provide any further information."