I don't see this posted anywhere else, and I see that there was some "Fox exclusive" of getting his visa, but here's the actual article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news/ap/20021017/ap-rockets-yao.html October 17, 2002 HOUSTON (AP) -- Yao Ming is closer to joining the Houston Rockets after receiving his visa from the Chinese government and signing allegiance to his country's basketball association. Now that the document from the China Basketball League has been signed, Yao just needs to obtain final clearance from FIBA -- the international governing body of the sport -- to travel to the Rockets' camp, his agent told Houston station KRIV-TV on Wednesday. ``This is one of the things the CBA needed to issue its clearance to FIBA stating Yao is no longer under contractual obligation to any Chinese team, and is free to sign with the NBA,'' agent Erik Zhang said. Signing allegiance to the CBA allows China to bring back its 7-foot-5 star for international tournaments. Zhang said Yao has a visa given to Chinese citizens with special talents. Yao, the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, had 23 points and 22 rebounds in the Asian Games championship, but South Korea won the gold medal by defeating China 102-100 in overtime. The Rockets play five exhibitions before opening the regular season Oct. 30 at Indiana.
This is great news! I was wondering if the CBA was ever going to let Yao go, but now it looks like he is definately going to be a Rocket!
