Yao on Malick Badiane, "Just tell him not to try to take my job."

http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2006/08/til_we_meet_again.html

August 23, 2006

'Til we meet again

A pair of Rockets draft choices from opposite sides of the world finally stepped onto the same court Wednesday at the World Championship.

It was the world famous Yao Ming vs. the little-known Malick Badiane, the 22-year-old from Senegal and the Rockets second round draft pick in 2003.

Yao, of course, got the better of the showdown with 26 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots as China won for the first time in the tournament..

But Badiane said he was better for the experience.

"It was the first time I have ever played against someone that big," said the 6-11 Badiane. "It was something special. He was so difficult to guard."

Badiane played 16 minutes and managed eight points and three rebounds. He even stuck a pair of face-up jumpers on Yao.

"He likes to stay in there close to the basket to block shots," Badiane said. "I didn't think he would come out that far to guard me. So I showed him my jumper. But really, it was an honor to play against Yao."

The perennial NBA All-Star knew he was going up against a potential Rockets teammate.

"Yes, I've definitely heard of him (Badiane)," said Yao. "He's a good player. He was tough today. I've heard that he's been playing in Germany and doing well. I hope that maybe in one or two years, he can come to Houston and help us. Just tell him not to try to take my job."

When Yao's message was relayed, Badiane threw back his head and laughed loud.

"He said that about me?" Badiane asked. "I can't believe it. Tell Yao I will only come to help."

 

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4135744.html

Yao's teammates finally show up in win over Senegal

By FRAN BLINEBURY
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

SAPPORO, JAPAN — What if they held a World Basketball Championship and none of your teammates showed up?

That's how Yao Ming had to feel through China's first three games of the competition, all desultory losses where the Rockets center was often like a man floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean.

But help finally arrived on Wednesday in the form of good ball movement and timely shooting in the second half to lift China past Senegal 100-83.

Yao Ming, the leading scorer in the tournament so far, once more led the way in the China attack. The difference was 19 points from Wang Zhi Zhi, 17 from Wang Shipeng, 16 from Liu Wei and a dozen from Du Feng.

"For me, it's like having my first cup of water after 10 thirsty days," said Yao, who had grown increasingly frustrated with his team's performance and the officiating. He is the one who is playing his way back into shape after missing four months following surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot. Yet there had been so many times when he'd been left to carry all of the load, especially down the stretch in close losses to Italy and Puerto Rico.

The Chinese national team has high hopes for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and had been hoping to build some momentum here, even though they don't have to qualify. China has automatic entry to the Olympics as the host team.

Yao's injury was seen as a setback, but it was clear that this week had been a huge disappointment until China finally overcame Senegal with a solid second half.

"This is what happens when you have help," said China's head coach Jonas Kazlauskas. "This is what it means to play as a team. We had other players today who were willing and able to do their share."

China (1-3) trailed 49-45 at halftime even though Yao had a dozen points. After Senegal used an early third-quarter burst to up its lead to 55-47, China got serious and got right back in it.

Yao, of course, got it started. He scored seven consecutive points, including a gorgeous fallaway bank shot that ended with his sprawled out on the floor pumping his fist when the referee also awarded him a free throw.

Senegal tied the game for the final time at 73-all when Rockets' 2003 second round draft choice Malick Badiane hit a jumper from the foul line while looking straight at Yao with 8:30 left in the fourth quarter.

Wang Shipeng then hit a 3-pointer from the right corner, Wang Zhi Zhi scored inside, then came down the floor and drew a foul and made both free throw. Finally having gotten separation, the Chinese played with ease coming down the stretch as Liu and Du repeatedly got open and stuck jumpers.

"I think in the last couple of minutes you could see some of the Rockets offense," Yao said with a grin. "The high pick-and-roll and a shooter on the perimeter who could make shots. It was a big difference."

Team China will play its last preliminary round game on Thursday against Slovenia.