Yao Ming Eligible for 2002 Draft: NBA Officials

Towering Chinese center Yao Ming, a top international prospect who opted not to enter next month's NBA draft, will automatically be eligible next year, NBA officials said on Thursday.

Yao, a 21-year-old, seven-foot, four-inch (2.25-meter) powerhouse for the Shanghai Sharks, will be available for the draft next year because he will clear the minimum age limit restriction for international players to enter the draft.

Earlier this month, NBA clubs who were eyeing Yao as one of the top picks received news from his team that he would not declare himself eligible for this year's draft.

"He will be turning 22 in the 2002 calendar year and that is when international players are eligible for our draft," said NBA official Terry Lyons.

Next year, any club could select him. But the question arises if one of China's biggest sports stars will be able to leave his Shanghai team for the NBA.

If he is drafted, but does not arrive to play immediately, the drafting team still retain his rights.

Lyons said that it is not unusual for an NBA team to use a draft pick on a top international prospect and then play a waiting game to see if they will ever be able to sign him to a contract.

One of Yao's team mates on the Chinese national squad at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Wang Zhizhi, was drafted in the second round and 36th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1999 and then joined the team at the end of this season after being given permission by his Chinese club.

Lyons said Lithuanian center Arvydas Sabonis was taken in the first round of the 1986 draft by Portland, but did not join the Trail Blazers until 1995.

Yao, Wang and Menk Batere, a pivotman for the Beijing Ducks, who is just a shade under seven feet (2.13 m), were dubbed "The Great Wall of China" when they joined forces during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and attracted the attention of NBA scouts who felt the top Chinese players had enough talent to make an impact.

The three are considered living sports legends in China, which has made some local officials reluctant to allow them to play overseas.

Of the three, Yao has been given the highest marks by NBA scouts.






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