Rockets hold Media Day before training camp begins
October 4th, 2005by John
Yao, T-Mac and Rockets owner Leslie Alexander pose for a traditional photo on Media Day at Toyota Center on Monday, October 3rd. Click here for more photos from the day’s events.
by John
TUESDAY, 10/4/05 – Yesterday was Media Day at Houston’s Toyota Center. Every player attended, including Bob Sura who came in on crutches after having knee surgery last week. According to Sina.com and Raymond, our correspondent in Hong Kong who translated the Sina.com article, players like Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady were accompanied by more senior Rockets executives, while the rest of the players were led by less senior staff.
Every player was interviewed individually, with Yao being the last one to be interviewed. As expected, Yao’s former interpreter Colin Pine has moved on to greener pastures, and Yao fielded all of the questions himself.
When asked what his biggest improvement was since his rookie season, Yao responded, “My English,” which drew laughs from the crowd. He politely asked some of them to repeat their questions since many reporters in attendance were from all across the USA who had different accents that were more challenging for him to understand. He wittily put aside his embarrassment by asking, “Do you now miss my interpreter, Colin Pine?”
Yao vowed that he will be the new players’ role model for the new season, and a good role model will be absolutely obedient to Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy. When asked what he needs to do personally to improve this season, Yao said, “Do what coach says.”
When asked about the progress of his off-season ankle surgery, Yao said, “I am 100% fully recovered. No problem whatsoever. I think I can play with full strength in the new season with my new feet.”
Yao went on to say, “I had sufficient rest throughout the summer. The feeling was great. This was my first summer that I had that much of rest. I am now full of energy, and I am at 310 lb. My bosses (officials and coach at the Rockets) are all saying great things about me. I look forward for better results for the Rockets in the new season.”