Hakeem did a decent job on Shaq but in no way stopped or slowed Shaq down much. Shaq is better now than he was when he faced Hakeem. Hakeem also depended on his quickness to play Shaq which Yao does not have. I would like to see what Russel has to show Yao.
ahhh, i think i get it. Russell (Wong) might be able to teach Ming (Yao) some new tricks, i see...so they know each other, eh? i thought it was beat to death and therefore well known here--and especially here, in the mecca of Rocketdom, of all places--that the proper way to refer to Yao Ming is either a) Yao (his family name) or b) Yao Ming (his family name followed by his given name, per Chinese custom) but never "Ming." i've heard John and Lance in the morning likewise refer to him as "Ming," but their excuse is that they're self-proclaimed knuckleheads. there is no excuse for Clutchcitinese! so i'm nitpicky. sue me.
I would love it if Russell could teach Yao, only good things can come out of that. I don't think it's fair to say Yao is weak because he can't stop Shaq. Who can stop Shaq one-on-one? Sure Yao can benefit from a few hours (or years) in the weightroom, but he ain't exactly Manute Bol. He's actually pretty proportional height/weight-wise. I wish people would stop judging Yao soley on his performance against Shaq. It's not fair.
To clarify the name confusion: Our center's first name is Ming, and his last name is Yao. In chinese, the last name is in front of the first name, so Yao Ming's chinese friend would call him "Yao Ming" or Ming (in chinese, you called someone by first name when you're friends with the person, just like in English), but never Ming Yao. In English, people called him Yao for the good sound bite or Yao Ming (naturally comes from Chinese). If people call Yao "Ming Yao", it will sound strange to Yao. Hope that helps.
Hakeem did a decent job on Shaq but in no way stopped or slowed Shaq down much yes, but dont forget that Shaq did nothing to stop hakeem. after the series, hakeem held the finals record for most points (or was it highest ppg average) in a finals series shaq of 95 was much quicker than the shaq of today. he also jumped better. nowadays, it seems like shaq is always double pumping cause hes scared to get blocked. but, at the same time, he has more refined post game than he did in 95. i think his scoring average has stayed about the same when comparing 95 to today. so to me, its debatable if shaq today is better than shaq in 95. (sorry, a little off topic)
With all due respect Moses Malone would be better at teaching Yao Ming Defence and Offencive moves and positioning. Not only that he is an active athlete and could give demonstrations. After all it was Moses that taught Hakeem.
