Yes, he gets the opportunity to with all the media in his face where some never get to show their class. But who in todays NBA responds time in and time out with such wit, modesty and so magnanimously? I can not think of one. Sure, some idiot is going to argue it's some Red propaganda plan and that all the translators are on a commie payroll (or hongbao). There's just no player... even coach? close to him. I think that is what makes me most proud he is on the Rockets and in the NBA as the first chinese player.
Not to disagree with what you say but you could have posted in one of the 20 million posts saying the same thing instead of starting a new one.
Doug Christie. In no way am I kidding. Based on about 20 or so interviews I've seen featuring him (being from Sacramento), he's got to be one of the nicest and most intelligent interviews in the NBA's short history. Of course, his wife is another story entirely...
Yao is the tops right now in class. His parents are obviously great parents. His folks have seats about 8 rows behind the bench and were there every game I attended. I sit about 5 rows behind them when I go. They get there early and are always much sought after by Asian fans who make their way over to talk. I don't think either parent really cares for that kind of attention, but they seem to feel obliged to at least be cordial to all these Asian folks who trek to see them. I'm so impressed with Yao. He is one hell of an ambassador for China. It is the smartest single move China has made in a long time. It instantly gives a face for this century to the nation. And what a guy he is! He would make any parent proud, and he makes ME proud of him.
This probably doesn't belong here, but I don't want to start another new thread, so I'll just put it here. I watched a TV interview, (yes, another one) conducted by CCTV 4 last week. For those who are not familar with CCTV4, it's a central government owned TV channel with English as the language. Two of the questions & answers got my attension. I'll try to summarize below. Since it's been a few days, so it's not exactly word by word. Q: We all know that it won't help yours basketball skill coming back to practise with the National team, it's better to play the summer league in the US. Why did you come back? A: It's all decided now, so there is no use to talk about the IFs. What I want to say is that when I was with the Shanghai Sharks, I wasn't a good player. I made great progress when I was called to join the national team, where I was able to practise with great players like Wang Zhi-Zhi, Bateer, and Liu Yu-Dong. Those players wouldn't improve their skill much by playing me, but they still did. Now, I'm in the same position as those players. I might not be able to improve myself much, but I can help many others by practising with them. It's my duty. Q: You played Shaq O'Neil twice, with some success in the first meeting. What's the difference between you and him? Will you be able to overtake him? A: No, I don't think I will be able to. I used to think the great players are the ones can outsmart opponents, use their skill to beat them, but Shaq changed that thought entirely. Now I feel the best players are the one can maximize their body & strength with their skill. This is the first time I felt hopeless with my skill. Q: Why? You really don't think you can exceed him? A: (Pause...) Because I'll never be able to match his physical strength. It's possible I might be able to reach a height above him, but that's very optimistic thinking. He is the first one make me feel like I cannot overtake. ---daoshi
I don't like Yao's thinking being pessimistic against Shaq. He's got to be optimistic in the way he think. I like when he said that he would do anything to conquer a mountain in Shaq before he came to the NBA. But, now he's start talking like he can't conquer anymore. I don't like that kind of thinking at all. I wish he just be quiet and be optimistic and see that he will eventually can overcome Shaq one day. Just stay optimistic even if you feel you can't do it. If you're starting to get down and say I can't do this and I can't do that..then you ain't never going to reach that goal because you don't think it's going to happen... He's got to stay positive and think positive and optimistic in order to motivate him to the next level. Stop giving so much credit to Shaq. When i watch him play his first game against Shaq, Shaq can't do a damm thing against him unless he rely on excessive force which i think should be illegal in the NBA...cuz you can't allow someone to dispossess you and dislodge you and get away with it. ONe thing i don't understand is why did an offensive player allow to use excessive force against a defender and not the other way around. If the offensive player have the right to use that much force against a defender, why can't the defender have the same right and use the same amount of force ...and if they do...they get call for defensive foul and all...so i think that's just bad NBA rule. Anyway, back to Yao...I think he needs to believe in himself more and more and just stay optimistic cuz pessimistic thinking is not going to get you no where.
I thought it made perfect sense. Shaq thoroughly manhandled Yao, and until Shaq's legs fail, he's still the terror of the paint. Yao will overtake him within 4 years, however.
Even the old Sabonis gives Shaq some problems. Soon the more experienced and stronger Yao will figure out that he could give Shaq as much problem as Shaq gives it to him, beside Shaq is getting older and Yao is getting better so that helps.
Hey everyone! I know a lot of people think Yao puts himself down in interviews all the time, and that he seems pessimistic on how he stacks up to other great players..... But I really think he's just being polite. I've only spent one summer in China, and from what I gathered Chinese culture sees any kind of bragging or arrogance as bad from and is very much looked down upon. Yao has better overall skills than Shaq , so he will be just fine. Just take his pessimism about his ability with a grain of salt though... Peace..
Yao is classy for sure but I would rather him not get considered the nicest guy in the NBA (see David Robinson). I hope Yao increases his agressiveness next year.
you are right on. actually most cultures sees any kind of bragging as disrespectful and unsportsman like. even american culture sees it that way until rescently, when trash talking and screaming at your opponents face became a norm, unfortunately kids sees most of todays pro athletes as role models. folks like jerry rice and david robinson are not 'interesting' enough for today's media to talk about. as long as yao does not show too much respect and backs away from his opponents (but takes them head on), i like it the way he is right now.
Man, it's just some Red propaganda. The people who translate what Yao says into English twist his words around to make him sound classy.
You forgot he's on the commie payroll. I couldn't believe that when I read it. I don't think anyone has ever made those type of claims about Yao.
People like Jerry Rice and Yao Ming are the reason I watch sports. Hakeem in the last half of his career was pretty humble as well. BTW, Jerry Rice is my absolute favorite football player EVER. He is a class act 100% and is playing wide receiver in the NFL at 40.
Yeah, dude is awesome. It's like he's from another era or something. And, yes, Yao Ming is very classy. Houston is lucky to have this guy. Plus, he can play a little ball.
