I know this might be the 1001st thread on Yao after the game. But some people might like to read it. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/heat/content/sports/epaper/2006/11/13/a4c_heatnotes_1113.html Yao's popularity remains high By Chris Perkins Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Monday, November 13, 2006 MIAMI — Yao Ming remains the biggest athletic attraction in China, and not just because he's 7-foot-6, 320 pounds. He's an All-Star, good-looking, affable, and, by all accounts, a heck of a nice guy. As evidenced by the four traveling Chinese reporters at Sunday's Heat-Houston game, and the 10 Chinese reporters who regularly cover Rockets home games, interest in the 26-year-old center remains high. "It's not like a couple of years ago," Yao said, referring to the 'Yaomania,' when he first entered the league in 2003. "Of course every story is like that. After a couple of years, people get tired of it. They want new stuff." Well, not yet. Meng Wang, who covers the Rockets for Titan Sports, a Chinese basketball magazine, said Yao still can't go out to dinner in China without being mobbed. "Wherever he goes, there's going to be hundreds of people taking pictures," Meng said. Yao hopes two of China's newest athletes - Liu Xiang, the 2006 men's Olympic 100-meter hurdles champion, and Yi Jianlian, the 6-foot-11, 19-year-old center - can help take some of the spotlight. "I always appreciate them taking the focus from me," Yao said. That's not likely to happen, however, because Yao is so engaging. "The biggest thing is his personality," Meng said. "Yao knows how to deal with people." And Yao, fluent in English for several years now, hasn't tired of the attention. In fact, it's quite the opposite, which is a refreshing change considering Yao's superstar status worldwide. "I know my job, and one of my jobs is to be nice to the fans," Yao said. "I care about the fans." Getting healthy: Backup center Michael Doleac, who has been out with an ankle injury since training camp, was on the 12-man active roster for the first time this season, but did not play against Houston. Guard Jason Williams (knee) remains on the inactive list with no date set for his return. Williams did, however, practice Friday.
The thing I like about Yao is his character - still humble, nice to everyone, polite, considerate, smiles alot, all that stuff... he's never overwhelmed, very centered... whilst maiming and butchering opponents on a nightly basis Hope he stays that way.
I forgot to add - I don't agree with the article on one point - I wouldn't go so far as to say that he is good-looking...
