This is a Ming's diary wroten at March 18, 2001, which expressed some fears that he felt at that time. Now it's more than one year later, I think he is more mature than that time. When I was writing this diary, I checked the short messages in my cell phone at the same time. All the messages were sent by my friends who knew that I was injured and expressed their greetings. They were very confused when they heard this news (that I was injured):You are so tall, who can hit your eyebrow bone? No question it is George!(his teammate) It looks like that the competition of CBA is definitely fierce. Besides the fierce combat on the court, the practice under the court is very hard too. But this (injure) is very good to me. Otherwise I will be stifled by the unusual silence before the large battle (with Bayi Rockets)next week. Fortunately, I live in an Internet world. From internet, I know that Zhizhi has attained the permission to play in NBA. No doubt that the domestic and foreign media will focus on me immediately. I have to tell everybody honestly: I do not know whether I can join NBA this year. In fact, what worries me most is not when I can join NBA, but whether I can survive in NBA when I am there, although I have had enough psychological preparation that I can sit on the bench for two years in NBA. If I join NBA, I will not only enter an entirely different basketball world from CBA style, but also have to face a completely different culture, from food to everything else in the daily life. It is a test to one’s spirit. I say this not because of humility but because I have such personal experiences. A few years ago, under the arrangement of Shanghai Sharks, I attended several summer training camps in USA with my teammate Liu Wei. Although it was only around one month, both of us were filled with a kind of inexplicable irritability at the last few days. It seemed that everything was wrong. We were angry about each other and almost fighted to each other. In that strange world, the spiritual pressure is more fearful than anything else. At the time when I join NBA, no “Liu Weis” will accompany me. I have to carry everything on my own shoulders.
Interesting post, w&s, It kind of shows the 'human' side of Ming, and that the Rockets aren't the only ones feeling the pressure of the whole situation. One question, though. You've posted other excerpts of his diary before... Are these released by Ming for some news column there? If not, how are his writings being posted, and in what context?
x34 These diaries were published at a sports newspaper. If you can read Chinese, you can find these diaries at: yao Ming's city http://yaomimgcity.yeah.net
I believe that Windand Sea stated that excerpts from his diary are part of a regular column in the Shanghai newspaper. I too am impressed by his honesty. So not like the current breed of NBA players who have to be the man and would never voice such insecurities. Maybe he could continue his columns in the chronicle. They could call it; "Thoughts from the tall Shaman" Thanks again for the info Windandsea Oh one question for you W&S How do you feel about everything that has transpired? With the Rockets trip to China and the cooperation by the Chinese officials. Do you feel confident Yao will be a Rocket and if so how do you feel about this?
Old Man Rock: I feel very condident that Yao Ming will be a Rockets. If not, I know some Chinese fans will kill Li Yaomin and CBA director.
I am guessing you (W&B) are an editor from sina.com, Am I right? You are very professional. Your English is so good! How did you improve your english ?
This would be the perfect time to have Dream. You know Dream would take him under his wing and show how to live in the NBA and America. Now who's left to show him? Mo Taylor?
Why does everyone think that Dream would take Ming under the Wing? I remember a couple of years ago when Carlos Rogers wanted to work out with Dream in the offseason and was declined.
Hakeem Olajuwon does not do "mentoring". End of story. As much as I don't care for Glen Rice's game, I can easily see him as a natural off-court mentor.
With proper support I believe he can thrive here, in Houston. We must remember that our culture is immensly different that what Ming is used to. There will be a long assimilation period but if all goes well, I think he will flourish. We must be patient and willing to let him grow and develop. GO BIG MING!!!
windandsea, The third sentence in Yao's diary , does it mean "A mighty dunk came raining down" or "Godzilla crushed many buildings to the ground"? Thanks for the info! ------------------------------
ok...I already like this guy...i thought I would.... he's intelligent...he's spiritual...filled with humility...and intensely human in this diary entry. THAT'S a player I can root for!
