EXCLUSIVE: Rockets' Center Yao Thrilled to Be Team's Biggest Fan

I find this from amorephd's post, and think it deserves a new thread.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/p...n=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1

HOUSTON -- For Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming, the club's remarkable 20-game winning streak has forced him to deal with a variety of emotions. He is thrilled for his teammates and coaches but is suffering because he is not able to contribute.

"I feel happy of course," Yao said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "A little bit sad because I cannot be there.

"I don't know how to feel over there, enjoy a 20 (game) winning streak because I stay home. Hopefully we can get it next season too."

While Yao has full confidence in the Rockets, he acknowledges he has been caught off guard by the team being able to put together the second longest winning streak in NBA history, tying the mark set by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1970-71 season. The Rockets have won eight straight without him.

"I am surprised," Yao said. "We did a great job. It's just like I saw (forward) Shane (Battier) speak on TV after the game. "Every single day is hard work just like when we started, winning the first game against Golden State at home. Nobody even imagined we could keep winning."

Yao was diagnosed last month with a season-ending stress fracture in his left foot. He has since undergone successful surgery to repair the injury. Thursday he began the rehabilitation process with his personal strength and conditioning coach, Anthony Falsone.

Yao said the Rockets ability to maintain the winning streak even though he is out defines what this team is all about.

"If the team is really starting to (lose) games while I am out it (could) mean we don't have enough power to survive in the Western Conference," Yao said. "The Western Conference (is) very tough right now. I think my teammates did a great job making us a next level team. We can make a difference in the playoffs this year."

Yao is now literally one of the Rockets biggest fans.

"I learn a new word which is couch potato," Yao said. "Every Rocket game day is my best time."

Yao has a two story home and because of his injury only lives downstairs right now.

"I move by bed to the first floor," Yao said. "There is only a small tv, not much bigger than your face. I'm just sitting right there watching that big (of a) screen and yelling for my teammates."

Watching the Rockets grow without him has given Yao a chance to see how fellow superstar Tracy McGrady would handle the pressure.

"He did a great job," Yao said. "He take over the leadership.

"Last year I remember when I am out he plays very aggressive. He tries to get as many scores as he can and give team a win and he did well and this year he also did that part, but the teammates give him more support than last year.

"Everybody shoot with great confidence. Shane is shooting well. Luis Scola, Carl Landry. Rafer Alston make it look different, attacking the basket. Of course you won't forget Dikembe Mutombo.

The 41-year old Mutombo is one of Yao's closest friends on the team.

"In China if you are 12 years (older) than me I should call him Uncle," Yao said. "I told him already. Uncle Deke.

"I remember the first game when I am out I sat on the bench watching the game," he said. "When that moment (came and) he blocked a couple of shots in a row and he is shaking his finger I almost forget my situation. I'm just enjoying the game. I'm so happy about it. I forget what happened to me."

Yao said he and his teams certainly know they cannot win every game.

"Before I got hurt I said we know one day we will lose but we try to delay that as (much) as we can," Yao said. "It comes by working hard every single day. I think that's what the players think about right now. We don't know what happens tomorrow, but we work hard today. "

The Rockets play the Charlotte Bobcats Friday night at Toyota Center and then have a nationally televised home game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

"The players are with full confidence right now," Yao said. "Eight games ago people are saying Rockets cannot survive without Yao Ming. They did very well, beat some good teams like the New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and the people talk about that we have a good schedule.

"Everybody plays 82 games. The Lakers are one of your 82 games. We have confidence to beat them."

Yao said he is pleased with the way he is feeling after undergoing surgery March 1.

Yao said he is feeling "Pretty good, Pretty good. Maybe too early to say but I feel good right now."

Victories over Charlotte and the Lakers will make Yao feel even better.

 

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