http://tsn.nypost.com/default.asp?c=nypost&page=nba/news/ACN2102265.htm Report: Chinese Commissioner approves Yao to Houston Houston, TX (Sports Network) - After receiving approval from the Shanghai Sharks on Tuesday, the Houston Rockets got the endorsement of Chinese Basketball Association commissioner Xin Lancheng on Wednesday to land Yao Ming as the top pick in the NBA Draft on June 26. Rockets general counsel Michael Goldberg told the Houston Chronicle that after a 90-minute meeting with the commissioner, the club sees no significant roadblock or unreasonable request from Chinese basketball authorities in their quest to help the 7-foot-5 center realize his NBA dream. "It was a very good meeting," Goldberg said. "I'm hopeful that with another meeting or two, we'll be able to have everything resolved. We talked out a lot of things." The two successful negotiations leave the Rockets with just one hurdle left to climb, dealing with the Chinese government. However, at this point Goldberg seemed confident that Yao would likely appear in a Houston uniform in the 2002-03 season. "The commissioner wanted to understand where we were coming from in terms of our needs and desires for Yao Ming," Goldberg said. "We wanted to make sure we understood the needs and desires of the Chinese national team. It went well. We've come halfway around the world to do this, and it's been great." Yao made 72.1 percent of his shots and averaged 32.4 points and 19 rebounds in the Chinese league last season. He turns 22 in September. Yao impressed NBA insiders with an array of skills while going through numerous workouts a few weeks ago. Yao impressed both scouts and coaches with his ability to knock down long-range jumpers, as well as his display of fancy footwork. Some scouts have compared him to former Indiana Pacers center Rik Smits.
The CBA may have agreed in principle, but that is FAR from a signed letter to FIBA to get clearance. This actually happened a couple of days ago.
Scratch this. NY Post misleading everyone with this as their lead draft story...hadn't heard any of this before, anyway. Feel free to lock/close as need be.
