IMHO, Vertical leaping isnt that important since he is 7"5. Strength/endurance/quickness will be. Remember Mark Eaton from the Jazz. The guy was 7"4 and can not jump at all but he was one of the greatest defenders ever. Hakeem always had problems against him and Eaton even blocked Kareems sky hook.
The thing with Eaton was, he didnt jump period of even try to jump. He also had longer arms than Yao does. Eaton and Yao are two completely different body types. "Man Mountain Mark" was more of a Shaq body type. He was thick and massive. Hakeem coudnt go over him because even standing flat footed with his arms straight up, he could block Hakeem's shot and Hakeem couldnt move him or go around him because Mark was just too big.
But when you look @ his profile, he is listed at weighing ONLY 290!!! Where as people on this thread are saying Yao is 301. Granted, Eaton may be stronger but to say that Eatons body type is different than Yaos is incorrect. Heres a pic of him http://people.westminstercollege.edu/students/jhr7551/jazz.htm#Eaton He does look bigger than Yao in the upper body but Yao can definitely gain 5 more pounds in the upper body over the next year or so. I think its more likely than Yao gaining 6 inches on his vert. Eaton actually averaged 5.56 blks per game one year!!!! I dont have the stats on his reach but being 1 inch shorter, I can not imagine his overall reach being more than 2 inches of Yaos. Plus, Yao is more mobile.
