Maybe Olajuwon was a little more physical earlier in his career but I still wouldnt agree with that assesment even if you were speaking in relative terms. You might wanna throw on some old school clutch city vids...
This is yao's summer schedule from sina.com http://sports.sina.com.cn/cba/2007-05-08/11332909924.shtml Yao suppose to go back to china in june. July he will participant the NBA Summer league with his CNT team. Then he will also take part in european tours as well as Stankovic Cup with the CNT. He will be back in Houston early October to prepare for the new 07/08 season. That basically leave him no time to train with Hakeem. Unless Hakeem is willing to follow yao back to china and train him! Another summer wasted by yao, again!
I think you should read the quote from Yao as it came out of his mouth himself: "'It would be a great chance for me, if I can learn from him, one of the best centers in the NBA history, and particularly a legend for the Rockets,' Yao said. 'I would love to. I'm working on it.'" http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl...kn/4783678.html Rocket Zoom
Yao said 'I would love to. I'm working on it.' That's mean everything is not yet confirmed. Whether Hakeem will agree or CNT will allow is still an issue. Of cause as a fan. i would like it to happen! But i just dont think yao can find any time knowing his CNT commitment and busy CNT Schedule!
Hakeem learned from other big Men he played against. There are no more big men left in the NBA. Shaq, Ben Wallace and Yao are the only classical examples of NBA centers left.
I don't have a problem with this, but I wish Mutombo could teach Yao how to rebound and block shots. Mutombo is faster than Yao, but not by much, especially when Yao is healthy. I think Yao could learn much more from Deke than Dream when it comes to rebounding and blocks because of their similar speed. I'll tell you what Dream could really help Yao out with... FOOTWORK. I know Yao doesn't have the soccer background like Hakeem, but I'm sick of all these unnecessary traveling violations Yao gets. Dream could really help Yao with his feet. I wish this advice session of Hakeem could be on video. I would pay to watch this.
Go back to enjoy your disappointment buddy. It simply will not happen, because Yao will has CNT commitment this summer.
Yao needs to blow off the pencil pushers running the chinese national team this year. He needs to get his get his body back in shape and rehab from those injuries. The opponents may be weaker in some international games but playing tournaments is wear and tear. If they want a 100% fit and healthy Yao in the 2008 olympics they need to excuse him this Summer.
