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Yao has grown into one of NBA's biggest stars
By JONATHAN FEIGEN (CRI/Houston Chronicle)
Updated: 2005-10-07 14:11
"From my second year, I tried to push myself hard. I would say I've improved.
I know every year is very important for me, because every year I must improve
something."
This season, Yao expects his conditioning to be greater and his post moves
versatile and honed. To others, if that does not reach dominance, it will not be
enough.
"There's so much on him," the Rockets' Tracy McGrady said. "He has to not
even worry about that, just go out be the best basketball player he can be and
help his ballclub win. Then there won't be that pressure. I don't think he's
gotten that. But he's young, and he's improving every day."
As demanding as measuring up to that charge might be, it is more manageable
than growing into the pressure of possibility.
"I don't know how much
pressure I need," Yao said. "What is the right amount? No one can tell you right
now. But I know I need some pressure to push me forward.
"We will get an answer after maybe 10 years, after I retire."
Minutes earlier, that answer was too much for him to predict, draining to
even consider. But suddenly, like a mine with its treasure buried, all that
potential seemed worth exploring.
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