Dejected after another disappointing international basketball
performance in a loss to Spain at the Olympic Games Sunday, China's
Yao Ming said he was considering cutting short his national team
career, according to Monday's China Daily citing?agencies as
the news source.??
China came into the Olympic tournament with high hopes resting
mainly on the broad shoulders of the 23-year-old 7-foot-6
center.
But the team, which has enlisted the help of long-time NBA coach
Del Harris, failed badly in its first outing, getting thoroughly
outplayed by the Spaniards in an 83-59 loss.
"I feel so disappointed. I lost all my hopes for this team. We
changed our skin, but we are the same. Just like the world
championships in Indianapolis two years ago," a visibly upset Yao
told reporters after the game.
Yao has blossomed into a major international figure since
joining the NBA's Houston Rockets in 2002 and China selected him to
carry the flag during the Olympic opening ceremony.
But team results during Yao's international career have fallen
short, with China finishing a disappointing 10th at the Sydney
Games, followed by a 12th place at the world championship in
2002.
"I didn't play well either. I am thinking about retiring from
the national team. Not now, but soon I will. In Indianapolis I was
the youngest player, now I am an elder, but still there is no hope
for us."
China play their next game Tuesday against New Zealand.
(China Daily? August 15, 2004)?