Translated interviews of Yao and Hakeem from today’s workout
May 22nd, 2007by John
What a beautiful sight: Yao receiving some welcome instruction from Rocket Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon today at Toyota Center. Click here for more photos from the workout.I just got this sina.com translation from Raymond about Yao’s workout with Hakeem today. I’ll post more articles as they are written by other members of the Houston media over the next day or so.
Toyota Center, deserted and silent for the past several weeks, suddenly became lively today. Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming, the old and new centers, separated by two generations, that were instantly recognizable by every Houston Rockets fan, appeared together on the training court.
Today, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon had a special training clinic for Yao Ming, and the two centers two generations apart finally managed to meet and play together. This certainly aroused the interest of the Houston mainstream media and attracted more than 50 some reporters to come for the occasion.
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon arrived at Toyota Center around 11:00 am in the morning; he first entered into the changing room to chat with Yao Ming for almost half an hour. Then the two of them went to the training court to start the training session which lasted some 40 minutes. The training was behind closed door and not open to the media, but after the training, both Hakeem and Yao Ming showed up in front of the media to accept interviews.
The Dream obviously likes and appreciates Yao Ming very much as he heaped alot of praises on him. “Yao Ming is very, very intelligent and also very diligent. He is not only good in offense, he is also outstanding in defense. There had not been in the whole NBA history to have such a big guy like him that is so balanced in both offense and defense.” Undoubtedly that is some accolades/appraisal of the highest order from the most outstanding center in NBA history.
Many people all want to see a one-on-one duel between Hakeem and Yao Ming. The two players did go through a one-on-one duel, but unfortunately as the reporters were not allowed into the training court, no one had witnessed this historic scene with their own eyes.
“Today, it is only about some basic footwork and some exchange of low post drills/techniques; he is a quick learner and he comprehended fast. ” Hakeem added. “Yao Ming was making progress on every of his past seasons. And his progress this past season is even more obvious. I firmly trust that he will still be making big progress in the new season.”
Yao Ming had anticipated long for meeting and training with the Dream, the news of which had spreaded right before the end of the past season. After the training session, Yao Ming was all exhausted, but ecstasy was written all over his face.
“The Dream is my idol which I worship ever since my childhood. I’m thrilled to be able to meet and be taught by him today.” Yao Ming was still a child when Hakeem the Dream Olajuwon was dominating in the NBA with his Dream Shake. “He unreservably pointed out to me the problems and flaws in my game, and throughout the training, he gave me a lot of great advice and instruction. I have benefited immensely from this session.”