Yao's return lights China's hopes
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-06-23 11:52 The Rockets' star last week said there is 50-50 chance for him to play in the
Worlds, but he would leave his position to younger players if he isn't be 100
per cent fit.
Yao averaged 22.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocked shots, 1.5 assists and
34.6 minutes in 56 starts this season, his fourth since being drafted first
overall by the Rockets in 2002. The four-time All-Star was sidelined 21 games
earlier in the season because of a toe injury and later on missed a game due to
a sore calf.
Yao needed
Yao's return is greatly appreciated by the Chinese camp who addressed the
matter with a sense of patriotism.
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has released an official document
titled "To learn from Yao's professionalism" on Wednesday to encourage the
national team players in their build-up for the Worlds and December's Asian
Games.
Kaslauskas said Yao's return is crucial to his side's gear up to the
much-expected Worlds.
"For sure I expect him to come back," he said on Wednesday. "It will be very
hard for us in Japan without Yao and veteran Li Nan."
The team is now in the midst of closed-door training before heading to Italy
today for a series of warm-up tournaments.
China will play with the United States in Group D at the World Championships,
together with Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Italy and Senegal.
The Chinese team is aiming for a top eight
finish.
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