ESPN.com (AP) - Yao has much to learn, but talent obvious

Haven't seen this article posted yet so I thought I would post it. If it is already up, my apologies.

Chris

Yao has much to learn, but talent obvious
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http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2002/1025/1450966.html
Associated Press
HOUSTON -- The frequent picture of Yao Ming in his first two NBA games has been sprawled on the floor, reeling from a hard block.


The Houston Rockets' No. 1 pick has revealed a delightful personality, a willingness to learn, a soft jumper -- and big gaps in his game that will take awhile to work through. He certainly won't be a finished product anytime soon.


"We've got a lot of work to do,'' coach Rudy Tomjanovich said following the Rockets final preseason game, a 93-89 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday night. "It's been tough on him. He's had a whole bunch to absorb. It's going to take some time.''


San Antonio forward Tim Duncan, the NBA's MVP last season, knocked Yao down seconds after he got into his first NBA game Wednesday night. Yao bounced up and made the free throws.


The Philadelphia 76ers didn't pamper the 7-6 center either, but they were impressed with his potential.


"He has a combination of some of the best big men,'' veteran 76ers center Olden Polynice said. "He has Shawn Bradley height, Shaquille's (O'Neal) weight and he's able to play like (Arvydas) Sabonis the way he handles the ball. He's a little of all of them.''


Yao played 13 minutes in his first game against the Spurs on Wednesday night, which followed only two team practices after joining the Rockets Sunday night.


Thursday, he got a standing ovation and cheers each time he touched the ball against the 76ers at Compaq Center. He responded with 13 points, five rebounds, two blocked shots and a propensity for committing fouls.


He's committed eight fouls in 37 minutes.


"This is the NBA, we're not going to change the way we play for him,'' Polynice said. "He took some hard fouls. That's going to happen. It doesn't mean we're going to start World War III.''


Yao hasn't had a chance to learn the Rockets offense. His best quality so far has been his soft jumper, which he demonstrated over the Spurs' David Robinson for his first NBA basket.


"So far, he's reacting very well, but he has to learn their offense,'' Polynice said. "Once he learns the offense, he's going to be awesome.''


Yao's calm exterior belies his competitiveness.


"I was nervous both nights but once I got on the court, I got involved in the game,'' Yao said. "I definitely felt it. I'm happy I could get so much support. It's a lot more physical than I thought it would be.''


Yao hasn't had much time to relax since arriving from China. He was up early prior to Thursday's final exhibition game for a trip to College Station about 100 miles northwest of Houston to meet Chinese president Jiang Zemin.


"This is the closest I've been to President Jiang. If I can bring honor to my country, that will make him feel great,'' Yao said.


Yao made it back through bad weather in time to play against the 76ers. He played 24 minutes, including the entire fourth quarter.


His spin move on the 76ers Art Long impressed teammate Glen Rice.


"To get a guy that big to do a baseline move like that, it's unbelievable,'' Rice said. "He just has a lot of basketball skills. We could tell the crowd got excited when he came in and that's good.''


The regular season starts Wednesday at Indianapolis, beginning an 82-game schedule that will involve some intriguing matchups for Yao. The Rockets play at the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers Nov. 17. O'Neal already has promised a painful welcome for Yao.


"I'm looking forward to seeing that,'' Polynice said. "I know Shaq will take it to him.''