Ming Update

[Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

    ESPN reports that due to Yao's age (under 21) he isn't eligible to
be drafted by any NBA team until 2002, unless his Chinese team and the
Chinese government relent by the 13th of May. For instance,  Zhi Zhi
Wang was 21 when he was first drafted in the second round by the Mavs,
despite the fact everyone knew he wouldn't be released to play
immediately.

    FWIW, Yao Ming, Jason Williams and Kwame Brown look to head the
top-three lotto class of 2002. The United Colors of Mama's Boys, as Josh
Ozersky might say.

    Meanwhile, TSN reports that Wang Zhi Zhi's Rockets and Yao Ming's
Sharks are presently going head-to-head for the national championships.
Wang Zhi Zhi's Army team is the Chinese pro hoops equivalent of the
1960s Boston Celtics, having won every championship since the pro league
was formed in 1995.

    But Yao Ming's Shanghai Sharks, swept in last year's finals, own a
1-0 lead in the best-of-five championship series that began Sunday. Yao
came up with 32 points, 21 rebounds and eight blocks, and Wang ran into
foul trouble as the Sharks won, 116-105. Those are impressive numbers
going up against another 7-footer.

    According to TSN, Yao averaged 27 points and 15 rebounds this
season, but had only five points and three rebounds in China's 119-72
loss to the United States at the Sydney Olympics. However, he did have
impressive blocks on Gary Payton and Vince Carter. Payton, for one,
wasn't impressed with the rejection. He said everyone has their shot
blocked.

Joe

N.B. Here's hoping we can be next year's Dallas. They are a better team
with a better owner, but I believe the talent differential can be
narrowed this summer.

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