Exclusive Interview of Yao Ming (Wang Meng of Titan Sports)

pryuen · Feb 29, 2008

I originally planned to post this to the Dedicated Thread on Yao Ming's Rehabilitation 2008.

But I was afraid that it will be drown in all the other posts of that thread, and waste my 5 hour's translation effort. Besides, I think this deserves a separate thread on its own.

This could be one of the very first exclusive interviews of Yao Ming right after that heart-breaking announcement of his season-ending stress fracture injury to his left ankle.

An indepth interview by Wang Meng of Titan Sports in which Yao Ming talked extensively about his first reactions after learning about his untimely injury, how he got this injury, his decision about going for the surgery, his aspiration of returning to play for China in the 2008 Olympics, and his take about Houston Rockets' chance for making the playoff without him.

ENJOY !!!

http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2008-02-29/17133503472.shtml

Reporter Wang Meng of Titan Sports reports from Houston.

To the majority of people, this (February 27) was just any other ordinary day, but as far as Yao Ming was concerned, it was not. He said: “My season had already ended. Yesterday was the day that I officially bid farewell to my team mates, and was the last day of my current season. Starting from today, I will have to be busy on some other fronts.”

From February 27, 2008 onward, Yao Ming’s life will turn over to a new page. This new page is going to be very difficult and painful to him. Yao Ming had tried but in vain to prevent this happening. There was no other means but to accept reality, and he can only unwillingly but gleefully accept this harsh reality. When Yao Ming appeared in front of the reporter, he did not look any different to the Yao Ming before the bad and sad news broke out.

So on this day (February 27) about 11 O’clock, Yao Ming arrived at Toyota Centre, entered the gymnasium, and started his biking exercise. He knew once he went under the knife on the surgery table, he will not be able to move and do exercise for a long time, and his body weight and fat contents will increase. So starting from now, he must be prepared for these. So on this very first day that his NBA season ended, he biked for over 40 minutes, with perspiration all over his huge body frame. And from this day onward, there will be extremely limited thing he can do; they will be limited to just some oxygen exercise or strength and conditioning exercise for his upper limbs. But still, he is determined that from this day onward, he will put in 100% effort on these limited training. Yao Ming said: “A little bit of sand will accumulate to become a castle.”

So on this very first day that his NBA season prematurely ended, Yao Ming received the following interview by Titan Sports.

Titan Sports: So what was your first reaction when you first heard about the news?

Yao Ming: When I first heard it from the doctor, it was just so difficult for me to accept this reality. It was like a thunderbolt out of the blue buzzing my brain; it was like originally it was a bright and sunny day, but suddenly it turned dark and stormy. When revealing my MRI inspection result to me, the doctor started like this: “Yao, you need to be prepared psychologically for this……..” I thought he was trying to play a joke with me, and I was about to reciprocate and crack a joke with him. But he looked so serious and suddenly I started to realize I had been silly and all at once my heart was down and emptied. I was still feeling so tired after the team practice of the previous day, and all of a sudden, there will be nothing for me to do. It seems I’ve lost the target (and meaning of my life).”

Titan Sports: I thought by yesterday evening, you were feeling much better, and you have accepted this fact?

Yao Ming: Well you have to accept (the reality) even if you don’t want to. For several hours, I felt such pain and sorrow in my heart. Then I started answering unceasingly lots of incoming telephone calls; and every of those calls started with things like “I’m so sorry to know…..” This made me more sickening that I almost suffocated. So after a few of those telephone calls, whenever another call came in, I just picked up the phone and said: “You need not be feeling sorry about it. I am already feeling terrible and sorry about it.”

Titan Sports: So before taking the MRI, you have not thought about getting this result?

Yao Ming: No, never. I originally thought it (the pain in my ankle) was due to bone spurs; Keith Jones (Rockets’ trainer) also thought it was due to bone spurs. I originally thought I could persist and play on to complete this season, and then the Olympics. And then by September, I will then go for surgery to remove the bone spurs, and then rehabilitate for 6 weeks and then be prepared and ready for the new season.

Titan Sports: The doctor said it was due to long time stress, wear and tear that had aggravated that slight fracture to become now a severe injury. Did you remember how did you get this injury?

Yao Ming: A lot of people said I twisted and sprained my ankle in that rematch with Milwaukee Bucks (China Derby II); but after re-watching all the video recordings, according to the team doctor and staff, they discovered that maybe I got my ankle injured as early as November 6 in that competition with Dallas Mavericks. That was the first loss of the Rockets of this season. I fell onto the floor, and stepped onto the foot of DeSagana Diop; so it is almost 4 months from then to now.

Titan Sports: I still remembered 2 days ago you told us how important this year will be, and you cannot get injured. Did you remember?

Yao Ming: Well, what you fear eventually happens. I was really worried and afraid that I will get injured (in this new season), and I really did not dare or risk to be injured. A lot of risky moves, like the one that I got injured last year, i.e. chasing and throwing myself out to block a shot, definitely I dared not do those again this year, just in case I will get myself injured again. But what destined to happen will eventually happen and there is no way now to look back and ask why (it has to be me).

Titan Sports: So (what are the reactions from) your parents and Ye Li?

Yao Ming: They are okay; they kept comforting me; well, actually what else can they do or say? But they understand me. No matter how difficult and worst situation, I will strive and overcome them.

Titan Sports: So have you decided on going under the knife?

Yao Ming: Yes, I have. The Houston Rockets had looked up a very famous doctor for me in Charlotte. I will fly to Charlotte tomorrow and seek second opinion from him. But his opinion and the Rockets team doctor’s should not be too different. It looks like now there is no way to escape from going under the knife. The doctor had recommended 2 treatment scenario: one scenario is for conservative treatment; the other is to go for a surgery. Regardless of which scenario, the recovery/restoration time is similar. It will have to be 4 months. But it will be more thorough (and put an end to the fracture) by going for a surgery, and it will be more advantageous for my professional career.

Titan Sports: As far as you know, basically what type of a surgery it will be?

Yao Ming: It will be an open surgery. All my previous surgeries were done microscopically. But this time, they will open up my ankle area, and implant a stainless steel nail between the fractured bones. Moreover, since it will be already such a torture for me, I might as well have the bone spurs removed in one go during this surgery. Actually to me, the process of the surgery will not be much different; my whole body will be completely under anesthesia, and all I need to do is to lay down and sleep for 3 hours.

Titan Sports: Are you a bit worried about the effect of this surgery?

Yao Ming: It should be okay. The doctors they told me that Cleveland Cavaliers’ Zydrunas Ilgauskas had had an almost identical injury as mine. If you turn the clock back a couple of years, then maybe such surgeries cannot guarantee a complete cure and a 100% restoration. But now there should not be an issue anymore (with the advent of medical science). Just take a look at Grant Hill and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and they are now playing again in top conditions. Therefore I supposed this should not be an issue.

Titan Sports: The doctors said the restoration and recovery requires 12 to 16 weeks. Why the recovery of the ankle takes so much longer than that for the knee?

Yao Ming: Well the doctors told me, unlike the restoration of the knees, which I can actively do exercise to fasten the recovery process while going under medical treatment, for the ankle, I need to take complete rest and wait for its complete healing. Therefore it is going to be a longer process. But the doctors also said I should be able to start my rehabilitation training after 12 weeks, and by the 16th week, I can apply full force onto my ankle.

Titan Sports: During the past 3 years, you continuously got injured. So have you pondered and found out what went wrong with you?

Yao Ming: Yes, I have pondered over this, and asked myself where and what I have done wrong or not careful that I always got injured. But the doctors told me afterwards that this injury was something out of my control and was not caused by my faults. Therefore I just stop thinking and self-doubting about it. Maybe a lot other players will always ask themselves: Why I always got injured? Why it has to be me? Actually, it is not that you always got injured. It is only when it is your turn to get injured then you feel the pain.

Titan Sports: Do you know what are the first reactions of the Chinese fans immediately right after they learned about the bad news?

Yao Ming: “Can Yao Ming still play in the Olympics?” Right? This was also my first reaction. I asked the doctor: “Can I still play in the Olympics?” The doctor told me: “It should not be a problem that you can make it for the Olympics.” So, now it looks like there is no hope for me to play in the rest of the NBA season for the Houston Rockets. But as long as the restoration and rehabilitation go well, it should not affect my chance for playing in the Olympics. I told my manager, in considering the options of my treatment methods, we must place my chances for making the Olympics top priority. I will not hesitate and will pay all prices to be able to catch up and play in the Olympics. I knew deep inside what that means to me as well as to Chinese basketball.

Titan Sports: So timing wise, it is very probable that you will end up having only 1 month to train and gel with the Chinese national team and to retrieve your competitive form and condition. Do you think it is too intense?

Yao Ming: You’re right. My conditions and especially my speed at the Olympics is now what I mostly concerned and worried. I knew time can be very intense, but so long as I can stand back onto the basketball court, for the Olympics, I definitely will make sacrifice, give my all and work and grind myself like a mad man in my rehabilitation so as to get myself back to competitive form and shape. I dare not say condition wise, I can be back 100%; maybe my body can only be 70% or 80%. But once I have my national team jersey on, I will try to play to the best of my capability, give my all, and then possibly I can then be back 100%. Now every now and then I still recalled what we did in that victory over Serbia & Montenegro 4 years ago, particularly about our state of mind during that game.

Titan Sports: Some fans thought in order to guarantee you can play in the Beijing Olympics, you give up and abandon the rest of the season of the Houston Rockets. What is your take on this?

Yao Ming: To tell you the truth, it is not that I cannot play basketball now all at once. If I really have to play, I think I can persist and play another game or 2. I can play against the Memphis Grizzlies; I can play against the Denver Nuggets. Maybe I can play in the 3rd game. But after playing another 3 games, probably I cannot walk again. I cannot complete in games the rest of the season the same old way; and the Olympics as well. It is impossible for me to give up on the Houston Rockets for the Olympics. If the Houston Rockets is now in the 7-game series of the NBA Final, I definitely will strive to continue playing.

Titan Sports: A lot of the basketball commentators and experts in the US media, including some very influential reporters, are heatedly discussing and challenging you on why don’t you give up the Olympics. Have you responded and talked to them about this?

Yao Ming: No, I haven’t. They do not understand China, and they do not understand me. There is no need for me to try to explain to everyone. For those that have been in good relationship with me, like Jeff Van Gundy or Ric Bucher (ESPN reporter), they all knew what Chinese basketball and the Olympics meant to me. They will not try to persuade me: “Don’t play in the Olympics” They knew it will be useless and meaningless.

Titan Sports: So now that the Houston Rockets have to play without you, what do you think about their chances for making the playoff?

Yao Ming: I thought we still have high hope for making the playoff. Although there is no way I can play, if you look back, now that we are in this current winning streak, we no longer rely on 1 or 2 individuals; we are now more a collective and rely more on teamwork. Now our team is getting more and more Adelman-like in offense; not necessarily the Princeton offense yet, but we are playing very aggressive and work as a team in our offense. Just look at our win over the Washington Wizards last night, and you will know, we are now playing with this momentum, with purpose and intensity and this is becoming habitual and consistent. I think we can push hard and advance further into the playoff.

Titan Sports: What do you have to worry?

Yao Ming: I worried that everybody is now vastly disappointed. We are on this current momentum and winning streak. Everybody was thinking about a clean sweep in February and continue winning. But then I’m down with this injury, and I don’t know what they think in their hearts. When our General Manager broke out the bad news (that I cannot play and my season has ended) to them on the training court, the entire court was dead silent and static. At that moment, I tried not to have eye contacts with any of my team mates. In my heart, I felt I fail them, and owe them this one.

Titan Sports: Yesterday, you sat and watched the game from the bench. How did you feel?

Yao Ming: Well, the feeling was extremely good. I originally thought that I would feel uncomfortable to watch them play as I could not play and be of help to the team. But after 2 minutes of watching the game I felt nothing but just excitement. You just took a look at Uncle Mutombo. As soon as he was on the court, he just delivered a big block with his huge palm. He might not be scoring a lot of points anymore, but as soon as he was on the court, he set the tune and texture of the entire game. I was just busy all game long, patronizing Uncle Mutombo and applauding for the good performance of other team mates, and forgot all my pain and sorrow.

Titan Sports: Who will become the most important factor/player of the Houston Rockets?

Yao Ming: Every player will be important. As this season has past a big portion, we are more and more familiar with the tactics and strategies of our coach……No, I should not say the tactics or strategies. I should say his thoughts and mentality. We are now all very clear. We no longer need to depend only on 2 players to score to win. We now need every of the players to perform and execute on offense. And we also have Tracy McGrady. During those critical and crunch stretch of the game, we can rely on his gifted talents and he always delivered clutch winning shots. Uncle Mutombo’s role is also very important. He is our spiritual leader.

Titan Sports: So right after the surgery, will you return to China for your restoration and rehabilitation? If the Houston Rockets make it to the playoff, will you come to rave, cheer and support your team mates?

Yao Ming: Before my restoration shows some tangible effect, definitely I will not return to China. On one hand, the means and level of medical treatment here in USA is better. On the other hand, during my restoration, it is not advisable and I cannot take long haul flights. The doctors told me that during the playoff period (i.e. at the end of April), I will be allowed to walk with my crutches. I do not like sitting on wheel chairs, and let the others to push me. So long as the Houston Rockets can make the playoff, I will certainly come to the court side to rave, cheer and support my team mates, and I will be there on the bench.

Titan Sports: So in the forthcoming 4 months, you may not appear frequently in the public and be seen by your fans. Can you say a few words to your fans?

Yao Ming: There will be another Hao Han (literally means true grit, a real man or a hero) in 4 months’ time. Just wait for my return. (四个月之后，又是一条好汉。等着我吧 )
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Achilleus · Feb 29, 2008

When our General Manager broke out the bad news (that I cannot play and my season has ended) to them on the training court, the entire court was dead silent and static. At that moment, I tried not to have eye contacts with any of my team mates. In my heart, I felt I fail them, and owe them this one.
Click to expand...

I like Yao Ming.

t_mac1 · Feb 29, 2008

keep your spirits up yao. i just pray you and tmac can be fully healthy FOR ONE YEAR for at least 75 games and the playoffs. u will do big things.

hopefully after the olympics, yao can prioritize and focus more on keeping his body fresh. he's not young anymore.

but i know if yao can play out there, he would. i feel bad for him. the team and him were having such a great year.

michecon · Feb 29, 2008

pryuen said:

but after re-watching all the video recordings, according to the team doctor and staff, they discovered that maybe I got my ankle injured as early as November 6 in that competition with Dallas Mavericks. That was the first loss of the Rockets of this season. I fell onto the floor, and stepped onto the foot of DeSagana Diop; so it is almost 4 months from then to now.
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dyaaaaaaaam

robbie380 · Feb 29, 2008

great translation and great interview. very insightful.

michecon · Feb 29, 2008

I hope the Rockets will better monitor Yao after some (minor) ankle sprain in the future. Maybe sit out a game or two.

cook · Feb 29, 2008

Hopefully YAO will have a speedy recovery.

RoxD · Feb 29, 2008

pryuen said:

I originally planned to post this to the Dedicated Thread on Yao Ming's Rehabilitation 2008.
Click to expand...

A great work, Pryuen.

"the knife" looks scary to me. How about "scalpel" or "surgical scissors"?

mic · Feb 29, 2008

Great translation! Thanks so much for posting this. Poor Yao...

bronx43 · Feb 29, 2008

Pryuen, I think a better translation of the last line is, "after four months, the Hao Han will return." The word 'another' suggests that Yao is saying he will somehow be different or better after four months, when in reality, he is only telling the public that he will indeed be back and healthy after four months, and that we should be patient during this time.

Qball · Feb 29, 2008

pryuen said:

Titan Sports: A lot of the basketball commentators and experts in the US media, including some very influential reporters, are heatedly discussing and challenging you on why don’t you give up the Olympics. Have you responded and talked to them about this?

Yao Ming: No, I haven’t. They do not understand China, and they do not understand me. There is no need for me to try to explain to everyone. For those that have been in good relationship with me, like Jeff Van Gundy or Ric Bucher (ESPN reporter), they all knew what Chinese basketball and the Olympics meant to me. They will not try to persuade me: “Don’t play in the Olympics” They knew it will be useless and meaningless.
Click to expand...

Wow, I guess he considers JVG more than just a coach.

Verbatim · Feb 29, 2008

OK, a couple of things,

He is a "Good Hero" and he is something to have as a teammate and a player to cheer for.

From now on, every single little anything pain wise he feels needs to be address immediately. He needs the special attention and he deserves it.

And yea, he owes the team one but it's not his fault. Whatever happens this year, next year is going to be something else!!!!

Recover and play your heart out for your national team Yao.

A_3PO · Feb 29, 2008

Qball said:

Wow, I guess he considers JVG more than just a coach.
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It's says something that he still feels this way now.

Deuce · Feb 29, 2008

Thanks for the translation of the inteview! good stuff.

I am glad Yao is getting the surgery. That will be the best for the long haul to make the ankle area stronger than before.

topfive · Feb 29, 2008

michecon said:

but after re-watching all the video recordings, according to the team doctor and staff, they discovered that maybe I got my ankle injured as early as November 6 in that competition with Dallas Mavericks.
Click to expand...

That's all I need -- yet ANOTHER reason to hate the punka$$ Mavs.

AzNaNsZ · Feb 29, 2008

Good luck yao with your recovery we will miss you this season

moonnumack · Feb 29, 2008

Whether we win a championship or not, the city of Houston and Rocket fans are privileged to support such a humble superstar like Yao Ming. How can you dislike this guy? Instead of bemoaning his personal losses from an injury, all he cares about is how it affects his team and his country. I would hope that all our superstars could handle themselves this way in the future, but I doubt it, so we should enjoy it now.

sando · Feb 29, 2008

Achilleus said:

I like Yao Ming.
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Mavs SUCK

Hippieloser · Feb 29, 2008

Thanks, pryuen. Very interesting interview. It still kills me that Yao is hurt again. All we can do is hope for a full recovery and a safe, fruitful Olympics.

Layupdrill · Feb 29, 2008

thank you very much pryuen

its really nice of you to take the time to do this for us!!!

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