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Yao Ming Not to Join NBA Draft in June
Chinese center Yao Ming will not join the rookie draft conference of America's National Basketball Association (NBA) in June, his China's club Shanghai Sharks announced Friday.
"We decide not to announce Yao Ming's availability for NBA's draft in June," deputy general manager Li Yaomin said.
"The main goal for Yao this year is to represent Shanghai to compete in the 9th National Games. He has to focus on to the East Asian Games this month and to the Asian Championships in July," Li added.
Yao didn't appear at the press conference, but his mother Fang Fengdi said it would be better to hold a low-key attitude for playing in NBA.
"I think playing in the world's premier basketball league is every athlete's dream." she said.
Shanghai Sharks manager Bai Li said the Chinese League is just starting to take off, it needs the support of the players.
"Yao Ming is a very important player either for Shanghai Sharks or for the Chinese League. So we decide not to let him go temporarily." Bai said.
Bai also said Yao wasn't ready for the NBA. "Yao Ming does not prepare adequately both mentally and physically."
"We consulted with Yao's parents, coaches, China Basketball authorities and Yao Ming himself before we made the decision. We will consider the comprehensive good." he said.
Yao Ming, 2.23 meters, 117 kilograms, is China's another basketball genius after Wang Zhizhi, who is playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
The 21-year-old sensation was born on September 12, 1980, one year younger to the age limit of 22 that automatically makes an international player eligible for the draft. He must apply for entry before the deadline on May 13.
There is no doubt that Yao Ming will go to NBA sometime in the future, Li promised, but the date is yet to be discussed. Bai Li said Yao would be allowed to take part in next year's draft after the details be worked out.
"From club's point, we will allow him to go next year." he said.
The Sharks lost 3-1 to the six-time champions Bayi Rockets in last season's finals. The club had showed their desire to win the title of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in many occasions before.
With Wang Zhizhi leaving for the NBA, the class-of-their-own Sharks have almost secure the title for next season if Yao plays for one more year in Shanghai.
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