Interview of Yao Ming (Nov 27th before the Phoenix game)

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Q & A for Yao Ming in the article on Ming Pao Vancouver Nov 28th (i.e. interview taken on 27th). I hid the non-basketball related questions that probably only a few bother to know. Please excuse for my translation, English is not my first language.

Reporter: In recent years, many teams have followed Phoenix Suns to employ the "small ball" tactics, is it because it's hard to recruit a tall center? What is your opinion on this?

Yao: Honestly, all teams need the speed whether they have height advantage or not.

Reporter: Is the attacking tactics Rocket's new coach Rick Adelman employs more suitable for you and your teammates to perform?

Yao: It's better to let the team wining statistics to speak for this.

Reporter: What area do you think you need to improve? E.g. do you need to reduce your number of TO and foul?

Yao: Definitely the TO, and this is an urgent issue indeed.

Reporter: The Rockets haven't got passed the first round in playoff in recent years, what do you think is the key problem?

Yao: The team is not persistent enough. It is because playoff victory depends on not only team's skill, but also mindset during match(morale?).

Reporter: It has been discovered that there is/are official(s) being bribed to control the game result, are you worried?

Yao: I was a bit worried in the beginning, but not any more now, because NBA has shown its effort and determination to solve this problem.

Reporter: Can the return of Francise reduce the pressure off T-Mac's back and yours? Or it gives (you and T-Mac) more pressure due to the high expectation?

Yao: I am very happy he came back, the fans here like him very much. He for sure will contribute to the team.

Reporter: Who in the Rockets has the best relationship with you?

Yao: Francise (still).

Spoiler

Reporter: Do your teammates know you married this summer? Did they give you gifts?

Yao: They all know, T-Mac even gave me a set of glass(could he mean crystal?) decoration as gift.

Reporter: I heard that you want to have a son and a daughter in the future, have you thought about where do you want them to be born from?

Yao: I still haven't give it a thorough thinking yet.

Reporter: There is a slogan "Everyone has two faces" in one of the brands you are representing, what do you think it your own two faces?

Yao: I think when people see me on the court, I always look very serious, but in times I like pranks(jokes) very much. Sticking to an attitude only would make living boring, we all need these two faces to complement each other.

Reporter: Recently you are investing in fitness centers and also representing China Life, will you put more time in the business activities?

Yao: My main job is still training and competitions, I need to manage the time I participate in business activities well.

Reporter: What is your prediction on Yi Ji Lian's first (NBA) season?

Yao: I wish him good luck. It is very difficult to start everything from beginning again in a new place, he needs to take care of himself well.

Spoiler

Reporter: Finally, what is the goal for Chinese National Basketball Team comes next year in Beijing Olympics? Is there a chance to get to the top 4(semi-final)?

Yao: My goal is to exceed last time's position as 8th team. It's very hard to get into top 4, but we will work hard for this.