Some interviews of Yao Ming

I hope Ming gets drafted if for no other reason than all the work windandsea has put into being the bridge connecting 2 different countries/continents.

I can't thank you enough, windandsea! (but I'll keep doing it... )

What is the significance of the questioning regarding the Grizzlies? What happened that they specifically questioned him about the Grizz?

 

perhaps its a international 7 footer thing Dr.oD

if Steve and Cat divide the team over Ming we'll be Portland before you know it

it's fine for them to voice their opinions and what not
but once it goes down then it must be forgotten and the best made of the situation

that worries me, Steve likes to pout

 

Yao really has desire to be a winner! Watch out you FAKERS, we got ming in the low post!

 

thanks, windandsea.

I find the quote too about wanting to show his back-to-the-basket game comforting. One of the concerns of the "we-need-true-big-men" faction is that Eddie among others shouldn't shoot outsiders so much because he might become too dependent on outside jumpers a la Webber. I don't know if I agree with that, but it's a common sentiment voiced. If I'm not reading too much into the quote (which I think I might be) it's a good sign if Yao wants to post up and considers it an integral part of his game as a center.

 

When he gets in and Steve and others see how much this guy can ball and get a chance to know him, I think everything will just melt away.

Ming seems like he will fit in well and wants to fit in. He knows his role startiing out. He is not gonna come into this league as a superstar. He will have to earn it. Every interview we need leads me to think he will do just that and fit right in.

The China intervention is what is causing a lot of potential misinterpretation right now. It seems like he has a big posse and lots of hoops to jump through, but in reality, I don't think this guy is about that like some. I think he just wants to play ball and get better.

Just my take from the interviews.

 

I've heard "half basket" before, don't understand it either. Could it mean tip in?

 

I think "banjielan"(literally, half-basket) means put-back, i.e. score after offense rebound.

Dr Q

 

Thanks for the explanation. I play basketball three times (roughly half of)a week and watch half of the Rockets games (no cable) but still don't understand "half basket". Is it because I am a half-fan

 

Anybody in Houston catch Channel 13's news last night?

Bob Allen was doing his story on Ming, and showed some highlights from a Sharks' practice, I assume. (OK, first there was no footage to be found, and now all of a sudden there are highlights of Yao all over the place. )

During the workout, Ming shot a nice little turnaround (he fades away on it too , guess he really does idolize Dream). He's a little slow with it, has a little bit of a hitch, and needs to go up a little stronger and quicker, but then again it was just practice. He shouldn't have any problems getting it off in the NBA on anybody, even Shaq.

Then, in another quick blurb, Yao seemed to be setting a pick on the weakside at the foul line. The G pops out from the pick, Yao does a little reverse pivot and establishes position in the lane (had no problem at all sealing off his man), and the G drops it down into Yao in the lane. Yao spins, dribbles to the baseline, pump fakes up to freeze the defender and get him off his feet, and then steps and comes across with a little half-hook. It was very McHale-esque.

Um, I think we may have to revise those 1st year expectations of Ming. I'm not predicting another Gasol here, but he may surprise all of us BIG TIME.

 

he is definately used to getting to the basket
how else can you explain his sick FG%?

no way he shoots THAT well

 

Glad to hear this. Do you, or anyone else know where I could download some of these highlights on the net?

-G'day-

 

Half basket means mid range shooting. Not those layups or shoots under the post. I believe Rockets will not put Yao in the physical post play at the beginning. We cannot risk rookie year injury on a project like him. At the beginning, Yao need to rely on his shooting and maybe only play his game peri.

Step by step, he will get accustomed and get used to the physical part. I hope this will be a process for him. Hate to see him spend a long time on bench because of injury.