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CNN Live Today

Rockets Have High Hopes for Yao Ming

Aired June 26, 2002 - 10:53   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: It is a long way from the Shanghai Sharks to the NBA. Sharks star Yao Ming is about to make that jump, and that is a move that could mean millions for this 7-foot-5-inch center.

More now on his story from CNN's Bob Fiscella.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FISCELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, the Great Wall of China is big, but can it shoot a 20-foot jump shot and take a defender off the dribble? Yao Ming is big and can do both, making him one of the great wonders of the basketball world, and the likely number one overall pick in Wednesday's NBA draft.

The 7-foot-6-inch, 21-year-old Chinese basketball sensation has been on the NBA's radar screen since he was a teenager. And as he readies himself for the big time, the only thing bigger than the man may be the expectations laid at his size 19 feet.

KIKI VANDEWEGHE, GENERAL MANAGER, DENVER NUGGETS: I think he has got a chance of being real good. You know, obviously, it depends on, like all the other players, how hard he works and things like that. But, you know, it is the old saying, you can't teach 7-foot-6.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He has got that rare quality of having size and talent, and he is a highly skilled player, and I'm excited. I'm excited to watch him play in the NBA.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The guy averaged almost 33 points a game this year. He shot 73 (ph) percent from the field. I mean, he can actually shoot the basketball, and there's a lot of issues that, you know, just like everybody else, he's not ready to dominate the league. He has to get stronger, he has got to learn the league, just like everybody else has.

FISCELLA: The NBA has seen its share of 7-foot novelty acts, and skeptics wonder whether the lean Yao will be able to handle himself against the physical centers of the league, something he did not do well during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney when managed just five points against the Miami Heat's Alonzo Mourning.

Still, most NBA insiders insist Yao is worth the risk. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think it is a roll of the dice, because there will be a place for him in the NBA. His size alone is unique, his shooting skill is unique. I think the things that he can do as a big player, certainly coaches will like that.

P.J. CARLESIMO, FORMER NBA HEAD COACH: Physical strength does go a long way, but so does 7'5". I would much rather teach him, put him in the weight room, and let him get used to playing NBA guys, because he has already got the most difficult things to teach, basketball skills and basketball understanding.

FISCELLA: Yao will join countrymen Wang Zhizhi and Mengke Bateer in the NBA, meaning all three pieces of China's walking Great Wall have reached the world's most competitive basketball league. Wang and Bateer have experienced mild success in the United States, but the Houston Rockets will expect much more from Yao. They hope Ming will build them a dynasty.

I'm Bob Fiscella.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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