From a few Chinese media: 1.Yao Ming intends to start from China at October 22nd and arrive LA or SC at the same day. Then he will straight ahead to Houston by Rockets' charter flight there. Rockets planed to hold a press conference about Ming's contract at the past Wednesday night 9pm . They canceled it because they didn't want to disturb Yao Ming, who will attend the semifinal at 12nd and final at 14th at the Asian Games. http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/ty/20021011/zhty/200210110929.asp 2.Yao Ming's contract: frist year:$3,858,240 second year:$4,147,560 third year:$4,436,880 fourth year:$5,594,906 total: 18,037,586 Erik said he had handed visa application of Ming to American embassy. Usually it needs one month to get it. But Ming's visa is P-1. If everything is fine (such as Ming is investigated and verified that he is not a terrorist), he hopes the visa can be done in one week. http://sports.sohu.com/48/44/sports_news165114448.shtml 3.Yao Ming said he will go back to Shanghai from Busan directly at 15th. Then he will stay at home and wait for visa. His first thing at Shanghai is drinking a cup of coffee at Starbuck. He said, "I don't have time to do anything. I will just stay at home and wait for visa. Once I get the visa, I will leave for Houson immediately." http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/ty/20021011/zhty/200210110928.asp
you're the best, W&S. Many thanks. Not that it's important, but the Rockets website says they expect Yao in camp on the 20th. I wonder why the Rockets expect him two days earlier? But as long as he's here, I could care less.
I think its hard to pin down a date when hell be here and in uniform ready to practice. It looks like hell have to alot of on the job training during the regular season. Once he gets here and gets settled, well have only a few practices and a couple of preseason games left before the regular season. Im still curious to see if Rudy starts him the first game of the season. I dont think its a guarantee. Rudy will start whoever gives him the best chance to get off to a good start and if Ming struggles grasping the offense or is worn down physically (because of the travel and all the games hes played) he might have to play behind Cato the first few games. Of course, well all know that wont last long. It better not anyway. haha
Are the Asian games STILL going on? Gawd, China is beating the hell out of everyone by 50 points per game. The other teams just need to forefit, give China the damn trophy, and get Ming over here...
i applied for a student visa last june 19th. missed the fall semester and still no call back from embassy. why the hell wasn't i a 7-5 basketball monster?
WindandSea, the Chinese news contradicts what is posted on Rockets.com. There, they state that Ming will be in camp and in uniform no later than October 20. Frankly, given the Chinese media's history, I believe Rockets.com.
So many netters have complained loudly about the Chinese buracracy. Now it is time to complain about your own government which has a strict entry-exit visa system. Some of that system is valid due to 9/11 but I can't believe why it takes a whole week to issue a visa to No. 1 pick. It is not like that he is from an Arab nation.
I think the Visa is going to be what holds Ming in China until the 22nd. If he gets it sooner than the 22nd Ming will leave ASAP from what WindandSea says. Rockets.com tends to paint the rosiest picture (it's their job) of what is going on. The 20th may be overly optimistic, but considering I have tickets for the game on the 20th, I'm pulling for the 18th or 19th so Ming can get some playing time. B
Do you need a visa to come here? He didn't have one at Indy did he? Maybe he can travel on a passport and not officially work for the Rocks until he gets a Visa?
"So many netters have complained loudly about the Chinese buracracy. Now it is time to complain about your own government which has a strict entry-exit visa system. Some of that system is valid due to 9/11 but I can't believe why it takes a whole week to issue a visa to No. 1 pick. It is not like that he is from an Arab nation. " fwang, that's very offensive to some people. Very innappropriate. The United States aren't exactly in love with China either in case you forgot.
Don't forget that Oct 20th in Houston would probably mean Oct 21st in China because of the time difference. os
Am I missing something or did he and the Chinese government not know he was going to need a visa in MAY when he got drafted as the #1 PICK??????????? Why doesn't he have a visa already?????? Didn't he need one to come to Indianapolis just a little while ago for the World Championships?????????? Please enlighten me if I'm wrong but can his advisors and the Chinese government be this STUPID as to not have had this done months ago. This sounds like something Joaquin Andujar would try to pull off.
My best friend works for the INS. I believe you once you get a VISA to work in this country and then leave and come back, you have to re-apply, VISAs are only good for as long as the person will be there. Not for certain though but I think thats how it works.
It's reeeaally a bad decision for the Chinese Basketball Association to keep Yao at the Asian Games instead of letting him attend a full training camp... sigh this may cause him a season's time to get used to NBA...
So are any of you Houston CC.netters going to give Yao a big Texas welcome at the airport?? If Rashard Lewis gets one for simply visiting Dallas during free agency, our #1 pick definitely deserves one.
