I know that today team USA will play CNT in China. Is Yao going to play the game? Is it gonna be on TV?
Not so, according to this: http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2006-08-07/13482382965.shtml Basically the gist of the article is that the CBA has announced Yao will NOT play tonight because he is not fully recovered from his injury. However, I've been reading contradictory things about whether Yao plays or not so I will probably watch the first few minutes of the game to see for myself whether he plays or not.
I almost forgot this was coming on in the morning. I missed the slaughter of Puerto Rico so I can't wait to see the US team, especially if Yao plays against them.
Oooooh. I could have sworn I saw a schedule that said A.M. You're right, though. Just checked ESPN's website and it's 8:30-10:30 tomorrow night on ESPN2. Sucks because I have a game myself. Guess I'll have to tape it.
As of the latest, it is NOT final whether Yao Ming will play or not.. His doctor said he will not be ready for another 7 days. But he showed great form and shape during yesterday team practice. CBA said they will want but not force him to play as alot of the fans have bought tickets and come to see him play; CBA also said the final decision now rests on Houston Rockets management whether they agree to let him play. As to a response to the question of this topic title, yes Yao Ming will probably be on TV tonight, but at the courtside, raving and supporting his team mates.
So the dust is settled. CBA made a public announcment this morning (August 7). Both Yao Ming and Wang Zhizhi will NOT play tonight with the USA national team. http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2006-08-07/13482382965.shtml CBA said Yao Ming is not ready for this game, but will be ready in a couple of days for the 2nd FIBA Stankovic Continental Champion Cup tournament in Nanjing (August 10 ~ 15.)
Man, this will be an ass beating to remember. No NBA players and no guards to can break the press...ouch.
I will be surprise if China scores more than 50 w/o their best players and against the best team. On another note i am glad Yao is not playing in the game.
Well with Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi, and its starting point guard, Liu Wei all out with injuries, China has to live with starting maybe Yi Jianlian, Zhang Songtao, Zhu Fangyu, Wang Shipeng, Sun Yue (or Chen Jianghua)....... I guess those inexperienced guards (Sun Yue or Chen Jianghua) will just be torched and suffocated by players like Wade or James or Bowen or Battier. But IMHO, the Chinese fans or players should never mind about losing 50, 60, 70 or even 100 points. These young and inexperienced players just have no chance against the NBA elites. All they have to do is just give their best, play to their fullest capabilities, keep up high fighting spirit and never give up. A hefty big loss might be a blessing in disguise for the future of Chinese basketball, as it will stimulate these young players to realize the huge gap between them and the best in NBA, and propel them to work/train as hard as Yao Ming in improving their game and strength & conditioning. No one expects them to spring a surprise win. That won't happen, not even if Yao and Wang are playing.
