|
Yao, Bogut among 100 global stars set for NBA season
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-10-31 09:21
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Number one draft choice Andrew Bogut of Australia and
Chinese center Yao Ming are among up to 100 international players who will be on
National Basketball Association clubs in the season that opens Tuesday.
 Yao has become the most dominant center in the Western Conference with
Shaquille O'Neal's departure to Miami and the Asian superstar has shown steady
improvement and greater consistency with every season.
Yao averaged 18.3 points and 8.4 rebounds a game last season, then signed a
five-year contract extension worth a reported 80.9 million dollars.
"Yao Ming has proven himself to be one of the league's elite centers,"
Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said.
"Since his first day here with the Rockets, Yao has dedicated himself to
winning a championship."
The Rockets must get past the first round of the playoffs, although they were
struggling simply to reach the playoffs before Yao's arrival.
"Our team is getting stronger," Yao said. "Everything is getting comfortable
for me."
Yao and backcourt playmaker give the Rockets a strong inside-outside
combination.
"I'm excited to know he'll be playing alongside Tracy McGrady for many years
to come," Alexander said. "His rare combination of size, strength and shooting
ability make him the perfect complement to Tracy's all-around game."
|
