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Yao with interpreter (and new trusted friend) Colin Pine

What Yao is saying
(continued)
Tired of answering questions about his recently-reported fatigue, 4/14/04

"I don't want to think about it. The more you think about it, the more tired you are."
The effect fatigue has had on him this season, and the effect it could have in the playoffs, 4/12/04

"I think it (fatigue) has affected me. There are a lot of things I want to do, but I can't get it done.

"I worry that if I play like this, it will affect the playoffs. I feel like I'm pulling on myself. But I worry I'll wear myself out in the regular season and not be able to play until the end.

"Last year, it really was almost over. This year, we have a lot to go. We still have a road to travel. We were prepared to make it to the end of the season. Beyond that, I'm not sure."
How he feels about playing in front of a crowd, like Golden State's, that is highly supportive of him, 4/6/04

"The only thing I worry about is the Rockets, not about the people. I notice it a little bit. I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't really have a special feeling. I just get ready and get involved in the game."
After the Rockets won three games in a row all in overtime, 3/28/04

"We're used to overtime. The game is not 48 minutes to us anymore. It's a 53-minutes game, maybe more."
Yao's response on how defenses are playing, clearly indicating he thinks it crosses the line, 3/22/04

"WWF. But that's a show."
Recent quotes about McDonald's (for whom he is a spokesman) and his eating habits, from a March 2004 Houston Chronicle article

"My parents knew that kids loved McDonald's, so they used that as an incentive for me to get good grades in school. If I got good grades, they would take me to McDonald's."

"My mother still made most of my lunches. She would make a pork chop with rice, or a small piece of beef with rice, or fish with vegetables. I would eat lunch at school, too."

"I started traveling internationally as a basketball player when I was 17. Everywhere I went, there were fast-food restaurants. It was very simple to get this food. It's so convenient."

"...one reason I am happy to work with McDonald's. They do a lot to help children."

"Now that I'm working with McDonald's, I don't have to bring money when I want to eat there."

"After I bought my BMW, my mother won't let me eat in the car. She says it's too nice and I can't get it messy."

"I usually order Double Hamburgers. They're very nice."
Yao naming his favorite American music, 2/29/04

"I like the national anthem. I listen to it at least 82 times a year."
Yao affirming the effectiveness of reserve power forward Clarence Weatherspoon, 2/28/04

"Everybody has inconsistencies and ups and downs, and it's during those times that (Weatherspoon) has been able to come in and pick our team up and give us an advantage in a lot of ways. Do you know what Chinese people call this kind of player? It's like the putty you put in a hole in the wall."
Comparing his rookie season in the NBA to LeBron Jame's rookie year, 2/26/04

"I'm not saying he's had it easier. But I think I've had to face more. I had to learn more.

"I have to get used to a lot of new things. He's from the (United States), and those are things he already knows. I'm not even talking about daily life. Because I'm not familiar with the U.S., I have to be careful with what I say. I don't want to cause any trouble. Just like people who don't understand China very well have said things that have caused some trouble. That's not the kind of thing I want to deal with."
Why he believes he is improving playing against double-teaming defenses, 2/24/04

"I've had to face that situation a lot and I've had to take some things from that. It's not a matter of knowing exactly when to pass or knowing exactly when to attack. It's just a feeling at the time. You have to go with the feeling based on what's happening on the court. You're going to have different results at different times."

"The other day (against the Atlanta Hawks when he scored a career-high 41 points) we did pretty well. It's not just me that can accomplish that. It's something the whole team has to do."
Regarding the problem of getting Yao the ball when the Rockets don't pass the ball well offensively or when the opponents' defense is very good, 2/24/04

"I don't think it's a new problem. They (the Spurs on 2/24/04) played team defense. They can double-team me and get back to their positions very quickly. We couldn't get the ball inside, whether it was passing the ball into the lane or driving it in. They played together as a defensive unit, and we couldn't do anything."
How he felt during a 3 overtime game against Atlanta where he played 50 minutes and scored 41 points, 2/22/04

"I felt very tired, to the point that I felt numb. But I had to force myself to keep gong. The feeling of being tired is a bad feeling, but the feeling of losing is even worse."
How he feels Del Harris will do as the Chinese Olympic basketball coach, 2/17/04

"I think it will be a big help for us. I also think for him it will be a lot of pressure because there will be a lot of attention on him. I think he can help us improve our performance in the Olympics.

"I can keep a NBA practice schedule in China."
After the announcement the Rockets would play pre-season games in Shanghai on Oct. 14th and Beijing on Oct. 17th, 2/13/04

"In a lot of ways, it will be great to go to Shanghai with the Houston Rockets. There are a lot of Houston Rockets fans in Shanghai, and I'm happy to get another chance to play in Shanghai."
His goal when he came to the NBA, 2/13/04

"The idea when I came here to America was to fit and to play basketball at the very highest level in the NBA. I am not comfortable being a symbol."
The difference between this year and last year, 2/13/04

"I can relax. Yes, this is the way I like it."

"Now it is mostly about basketball. Now I feel like just one of the team. I can talk about the game with them, about practice, about music. We can joke around, and we are all just NBA players."

"Everything about this feels better now. Everything is not such a new experience. It doesn't feel so strange. I feel like I belong.

"The main thing that I think I've improved on this season is my assertiveness and aggressiveness on the court. At the same time, I think it is the area where I still must improve the most."

"My time here in Los Angeles isn't as much in demand as last year in Atlanta. I have more freedom. But I would still like to be able to get away and do a few things on my own. I wish I could just take a walk on the beach. Maybe go to some movies, go to a video arcade. That won't happen though. I know it. It's the same reason as back at home in Shanghai. Size."
The difference between himself and this year's rookie phenoms, 2/13/04

"What LeBron and Carmelo do is beyond me. They make it look so easy and so relaxed. They turn it into something else. For me, dunking is just another way to score two points.

"Even if I want to do something spectacular, I can't. I found I could enjoy the game sitting on the bench much more than on the court."
His ritual when he arrives back home from road trips, 2/13/04

"From the airport to home, I like to ensure that no car ever passes me. The only car I allow to pass me is a police car. If one of my teammates ever goes faster, it's only because they have a better car."
Regarding his marketing affiliation with McDonald's, 2/12/04

"I have always been a big fan of McDonald's ever since the first restaurant opened in China 10 years ago. To be a part of such a great brand with the ability to positively touch millions of people around the world is a real thrill for me. And, I share McDonald's commitment to being the best, both as an athlete and as part of the broader world community."
After scoring 29 points against Shaq and the LA Lakers, 2/11/04

"I wasn't too nervous today. I was fairly laid back. We played as a team. Everybody played together. There was great chemistry. They couldn't get a hold of what we were trying to do.

"At least for today, they couldn't just guard one or two people and stop us offensively."
After a close loss to the San Antonio Spurs the night beforehand, 2/10/04

"I think we've improved a lot. (Monday) night, what we showed we improved the most was our energy and our spirit. We were down by more than 10 points several times, and we were able to catch up and play with them and give ourselves a chance to win. For us to be a playoff team in the future, these are the things that we have to continue to do."
How he feels about the hype before another Yao vs. Shaq matchup, 2/10/04

"It's very ordinary at this point. Here it is again. Every year, at least four times a year. And every time is a test. And I'm not just talking about the game, but the stuff before the game like this."
Talking about his imminent meeting with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who will be an assistant coach for Yao's team for the Schick Rookie Game during All-Star Weekend, 2/8/04

"I haven't been able to see a lot of his games, but I think it will be a great opportunity to learn more about him. I would like to talk to him."
Why he thinks the Rockets went from winning three games in a row to suddenly losing 4 games in a row, 2/2/04

"I think we were cocky."
Explaining why he only shot 2-of-9 from the field against New Jersey rather than the defense of Jason Collins, 1/31/04

"I had a lot of opportunities to score, but I didn't shoot well today. What can you say? Everybody can have a night like that sometimes."
Giving credit that Shaquille O'Neal should be the starting center instead of himself, 1/31/04

"If everybody looks at ability at this point, it's pretty obvious who should be starting."
After learning he was voted by fans to be the starting center for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game in February, 1/29/04

"Shaq is a great competitor, and he has proven himself to be a great champion in this league. While I'm very happy to be selected as the starter, I feel as though I wish I could share the honor with him. Maybe they will let us start the game with six players."
About playing in the NBA Rookie Challenge game (second-year players vs. rookies) AND the All-Star game itself, 1/29/04

"There's not much difference to me between playing 82 (regular-season) games and 84. It will be good to be one of the older guys on the court for a change."
On how he didn't hesitate to shoot against the Orlando Magic on a night he scored a career-high 37 points, 1/25/04

"I can't wait for people to attack me. I have to attack them."
After playing three games in a row where he averaged 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game, 1/17/04

"I don't know if I'm at the level of consistency I want. If I keep playing like this then, yes, that shows I'm consistent. If I fall off, then I'll have to figure things out again. I do feel I am playing a lot more smoothly right now."
About positioning Yao out on the perimeter to take jumpers and cut through the lane, 1/15/04

"I think it makes us a very agile team when we do that. It puts a lot of pressure on the defense."

What he did differently against Boston that allowed him to score 21 points after scoring only 6 points three days prior against the same team, 1/14/04

"I was more aggressive. We were constantly moving the ball and they weren't able to adjust their defense and get to the right spots."

Comparing himself to how the Rockets play well in high-profile games, but lose the ones that are low-profile, 1/10/04

"It's like when I was a kid in math class. I'd always get the tough ones right, and then surprisingly I'd mess up on the easy questions."

What he was thinking during the Knick game after Van Gundy held him back from playing many minutes in the previous game because of poor play, 1/8/04

"I wasn't thinking about the minutes I (previously) played. I was just thinking about the minutes I'm playing right now, the moment right now, and concentrating on what I could do then. I didn't tell myself what the result was going to be. I just told myself what I should be doing at that particular moment."

How he plans to prevent himself from getting into more foul trouble, 1/6/04

"I think I have to work more on not waiting until the last minute to defend and not waiting until the last minute to try and block a shot. If I can start early pushing out or just contain them early in the possession, I probably won't have that problem."

About becoming a team leader, after the Rockets lost a lead to the Denver Nuggets; 12/26/03

"I'm not playing well enough yet to be a leader so I'm not in a position to say at this point how I'll go about becoming one."

The difference between this season and last season, late December 2003

"Obviously, the plays we use are different. When coach Van Gundy teaches, everything is very detailed. He goes over every situation that could arise during a game and how we should handle it. No matter how well you play, he will always critique it to make sure you understand what happened and why.

"Last year, during games I felt like I had to try to keep up with the rest of the team. I was always trying to catch up. This year, I feel much more a part of the team and the system. I feel like I can just work together with my teammates.'

"My adjustment to the United States hasn't been very difficult. There hasn't been anything that's been particularly difficult to adjust to - except how bad the traffic is in Houston."

Why he still uses Colin Pine as his interpreter, late December 2003

"I don't think I'm ready yet to talk to the English-speaking media without my interpreter. It always seems that there are times during interviews where there are questions or comments that are difficult to understand."

If he will be a force in the NBA like Shaq, late December 2003

"To get that kind of success, you have to have the desire to get there in the first place. I can only say that I don't want to lose. Every time I play, every time I go out, I don't want to lose. This is basketball. It's not soccer. There are no draws.

"I don't know what that feels like (to change the game the way O'Neal does). I don't think I will until the day that actually is."

As he heads into his first match-up against Shaq in the 2003-04 season on Christmas Day, 12/22/03

"Going up against Shaq is always hard. I will definitely put a lot of importance on the game."

Why he believes he missed two free throws at the end of the Portland game, 12/09/03

"I used to be very confident at shooting them. But I got too confident and it had the reverse effect."

On coach Jeff Van Gundy holding him to a higher standard, especially after Yao missed two free throws that could have iced the Portland game, 12/09/03

"He's keeping the fire at my back the whole time. And I've got one glass of water. You have to understand, I've got one glass of water and he's got a whole lot of fire."

On the Rockets offense coming around gradually as it suffers periodic setbacks, 12/07/03

"It's like me studying English. I might learn a new word, and the second day I'll forget it and not use it. By the third day, I'll remember it again. In the process of learning, you're going to go through that. You're going to go through times when you make a mistake, and then you have to correct it again."

Commenting on the lessened hoopla throughout the league this year about himself, 11/28/03

"Thanksgiving just passed, so you should probably know what I'm thankful for. LeBron James."

On some of the challenges in his second season, 11/27/03

"I think it is harder than last year. Last year people didn't know my game, so I could take advantage of that sometimes. Now, everybody has studied me and knows how I play. My response to that is I have to work harder and get better at what I'm going to do.

"There was a period of time from the beginning of the season to now that I've had some obstacles and I'm trying to figure out how to just play my game.

"I'm trying to learn how to be more aggressive. That isn't exactly in step with my original style of play. I have to figure out how to mix the two. You can't take every piece of advice people give you. There's so much coming at you, you don't know what to absorb. You can't absorb it all. I figured out, I just have to solve my problems myself. There's not going to be somebody at my side all the time. I don't think my game right now is completely mature. I need to improve."

Where Yao feels he needs to improve, 11/14/03

"I have to get a lot more physical, I know, and I have to lower my turnovers and get my field goal percentage up. It's a process. It's something I have to get used to and make better."

Commenting after a victory against the Phoenix Suns on frontcourt mate Kelvin Cato, who had 4 blocks in the game compared to Yao's two rejections, 11/14/03

"He is the guardian of our rim."

Commenting on practicing with Rockets assistant coach Patrick Ewing, 11/07/03

"We play one-on-one and he keeps losing to me and that improves my confidence."

His response to head coach Jeff Van Gundy's comments on 11/04/03 (above) about how Yao should be more aggressive, 11/04/03

"That comment gives me a lot of confidence. I was used to that more when I was playing in China. On this team, I'm not quite used to it yet. How should I say it? If you give me a little time, I can get more used to it."

How he felt about his performance against the Denver Nuggets, 10/30/03

"Overall it wasn't bad, but I had too many fouls and not enough rebounds, but I'm always happy to win."

After playing the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony, who was also a high first-round pick in the NBA this past summer, 10/30/03

"It seems that everybody is going after him right now like they were going after me last year. Everyone wants to score on him or block a shot. I remember that being similar to me last year."

...and later, "He's a lot better than I was when I started."

How he felt compared to his performance in last year's first regular season game, after playing his first regular season game of the 2003-04 season, 10/30/03

"I have a better feel for the game and I can get into the rhythm of the game. I can get more involved in the game."

On playing in the new Toyota Center compared to their old arena, 10/30/03

"Compaq Center was an arena with a lot of history. The Rockets did great things in the past there. We are just hoping we can do in the new arena what the older generation did. I want to remind everybody (in the audience) not to leave so early, or you would have gotten free Big Macs." [Editor's note: I actually believe an attendee of the Rockets first regular season game where they scored 100+ points gets the free Big Mac if they show their ticket stub at the McDonald's, but we get Yao's point---don't leave the game so early!]

Comparing (while smiling) his statistics from his first game last year (0 points, 2 rebounds) to his first game this year (19 points, 3 rebounds), 10/30/03

"At least every category improved from last year, including fouls." [Note: he had 3 personal fouls in last season's game, and 5 in this season's game].

When asked why he didn't get that many rebounds (3) in his first game of the season, he shows his wit while responding to one of the criticisms of him...

"I felt like I was underneath the basket but maybe I was a little slow. Perhaps it's because I don't jump that high."

Regarding the improved play of Kelvin Cato this season and his playing alongside Yao frequently in the preseason, 10/30/03

"I think this is our most successful aspect (for the team) this year."

On scoring the first points in Toyota Center for a regular season game, 10/30/03

"It's definitely special to me."

Responding to the question on having the same kind of success that Hakeem Olajuwon had at Compaq Center, 10/30/03

"I really hope that I can have the same kind of success. I'm jealous of his success, and I hope I can get it, too."

How he feels now that he is more accustomed to American culture, not having as many distractions as last year, 10/30/03

"When I'm playing in Shanghai, it's like I'm playing at home, and it's beginning to feel like that here."

On Jeff Van Gundy's defense, 10/28/03

"He is very, very focused on defense. Of course, there's improvements that can be made. The success we had in preseason, we're doing pretty well. I think we're communicating a lot more on defense, so we're coordinated better, we're cooperating better, so that just creates better defense."

On Jeff Van Gundy's defense, 10/28/03

"He is very, very focused on defense. Of course, there's improvements that can be made. The success we had in preseason, we're doing pretty well. I think we're communicating a lot more on defense, so we're coordinated better, we're cooperating better, so that just creates better defense."

Regarding Eddie Griffin's recent problems off the court, 10/26/03

"As a team, we're really just working our best to get ready for the season. Because of his absence -- we all care about him, he's our teammate -- we are, I would say, a little bit distracted.

"I've heard a little bit about the situation, but I'm not clear about what's going on. I hope he's OK and he can get back to the team quickly because the season is about to start. Another person makes us that much stronger."

Official statement from Yao regarding the hiring of Jeff Van Gundy as the Rockets head coach, 6/10/03

"I am very excited to hear the news about Coach Van Gundy joining the Rockets. I felt very lucky to play for a Hall of Fame coach last year in Rudy Tomjanovich, and I feel lucky to now play for another of the best coaches in the game. I am aware of the work that Coach Van Gundy did with Patrick Ewing during the peak of his career, and I think he can bring out the best in me and all of my teammates. I believe Coach Van Gundy can help lead the Rockets to the next level. I wish him all the best, and he has my full support."

Official statement from Yao regarding coach Rudy T's departure from coaching, 5/27/03

"Rudy has accomplished a great deal during his years with the Rockets, and I feel fortunate to have had the time with him during my rookie season."

"[He is] a mentor, a role model, and a friend."

His comments that aired in a pre-taped video at the Laureus World Sports Award ceremony, 5/20/03

"I appreciate the recognition. I must share this honor with my teammates and coaches in China and in Houston. They gave me the precious gift of friendship to keep me going in good times and in bad times alike. I must also share this honor with all my fans, who made my dreams of playing professional basketball possible. This award will motivate me to aim high, and to achieve higher goals through dedication and hard work."

What he is doing to avoid SARS as he prepares to host a telethon to combat the disease, 5/8/03

"Personally, I wash my hands every hour and otherwise eat healthy food. I've had less exercise recently but plan to start exercising more."

"Regular exercise helps to ensure enough energy and good health, especially under the current circumstances."

Why he decided to host a SARS telethon in China on May 11th, 5/7/03

"I just feel that there is an obligation as a celebrity to repay society and lead the way for other Chinese basketball players to do more in the way of community service. This is a great opportunity to do that and a great cause."

How he feels about Hakeem teaching him some things; mid-April, 2003

"I heard fans saying they want Hakeem (Olajuwon) to teach me. First of all, I am all for it. With an elder teaching me, I can learn a lot of good things. But think about it, he already played so many years and he's had just a year or two to rest."

What he would tell people in China about what it was really like in America; mid-April, 2003

"[That] people did not know much about people from China."

After the final game of the 2002-2003 Houston Rocket season, 4/16/03

"I can have a little quiet time now. I think I will leave the basketball world for a little while. I will reflect later on things."

Regarding his concern about SARS, the illness in China responsible for dozens of deaths. Yao will return to China about 10 days after the Rockets season is over to train for the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament in May, 4/10/03

"I'm worried about it, but I'm still going to go back the way I planned. But I'm excited to go back.

"I call my friends at home and check up. It's a frightening thing. I hope it passes quickly, and they take care of themselves."

On his strategy playing against the New Jersey Nets' Dikembe Mutombo, 3/30/03

"His defense is really outstanding. If I don't make two or three in a row, I'll stop shooting as much and work on my defense."

After only playing 20 minutes against the Clippers in a game where the Rockets once held a 28-point lead, 3/24/03

"I think I got enough rest tonight. And that will help me to prepare for the next two games (against the Lakers/Shaq and Spurs/Duncan)."

Why he told Steve Francis why he needed to 'chill out' in the fourth quarter against the Warriors when Francis was getting frustrated, 3/21/03

"He's our leader and we need him to lead. If he falls apart, it can cause the whole team to fall apart. Everyone can see that."

On the idea of visiting San Francisco's Chinatown while the Rockets are in the Bay Area to play Golden State, 3/20/03

"I'd love to go. But I don't know if time will allow it, and I think it would cause a stir. There's nothing I can do about it. It's tiring."

About how coach Rudy Tomjanovich waited until after they played an important game against the Phoenix Suns before telling the team he would be getting important medical tests, 3/17/03

"It tells us how important it is to make the playoffs.

"These are five big road games. I hope we can take the success we had in the last five games, and they give us some motivation and momentum. It seems like practice is missing something today (since Rudy is not present)."

After the Rockets 30-point margin of victory over the Chicago Bulls, 3/14/03

"I think our offense was pretty normal today, actually. We were able to push the ball. I think the primary reason we were able to win by so many points was because of our defense. Our defense gave us our foundation and then our offense really picked up."

Before his game with rapidly-improving Chicago Bull center Eddy Curry, 3/13/03

"I think he'll make me very tired. There will be a lot more pressure on the inside. He'll be under the basket the whole game."
After scoring a team-high 21 points and securing the win for the Rockets over the Toronto Raptors, 3/5/03

"I have to thank my teammates for their faith in me. This kind of trust builds my self-confidence."
After losing to the Detroit Pistons, the Rockets' fourth loss in a row, 3/4/03

"Self-confidence is something that can be contagious. If one person loses it, maybe it's OK. But once two people do, it starts affecting everybody. I think this is something our whole team has to work on."
After an excellent game against All-Star center Ben Wallace (preceded by a 1-for-4 outing in their first meeting), 3/4/03

"I used the last game against him as a reference. He is a great shot-blocker (Wallace had two blocks), but that also means he fouls at times."
After losing to the San Antonio Spurs, another team that got off to a fast start against the Rockets, 3/2/03

"I just don't think we're prepared to play at the beginning of the game. I have some concerns. Sometimes we're able to thoroughly beat our opponents. Other times, we let the opponent do whatever they want."
About the defense Washington center Brendan Haywood played against him, 2/27/03

"He was very successful in his defense against me, to hold me to that much below my [field goal] percentage." [6-for-15 from the field]
During his visit to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., 2/26/03

"I feel very honored to come to this place. To be here makes me nervous. To see all these lanterns makes me feel like I'm home. My impression of the embassy is like a fantasy, something from television or a movie."
About what it's like to be around the New York excitement, 2/25/03

"I feel like I'm back at the time I first saw an NBA game because the first NBA game I saw was played here. It makes me think of the 1994 Finals (between the Rockets and Knicks). I was in Shanghai playing on the Shanghai youth team, and the entire team gathered together to watch the game.

"My biggest impression from that Finals was that it was an incredibly exciting series. It's very rare to have the opportunity to watch that kind of a series."
Regarding two plays against the Knicks late in the game where they stole the ball from him, 2/25/03

"At the end of the game, if it weren't for my turnovers, the results would have been different."

"I was very excited and honored to have this kind of opportunity. I had the chance to win the game, but I didn't come through. It had nothing to do with my being tired. It was my turnovers."
In a press conference talking to the New York media, 2/25/03

"The cost of enjoying the season has been very tiring. Every game there's a new challenge and facing up against every different player presents new problems."
After playing the Dallas Mavericks and 7'6" center Shawn Bradley, 2/21/03

"It's something new for me to learn. I'm afraid I haven't had much opportunity to play somebody as tall as me. Every time I play I think I get a little more accustomed. Starting the second half, I felt I learned some things."
Showing a great attitude after scoring only 2 points in the All-Star game, 2/9/03

"It was a lot of fun tonight. It was like attending a party. I didn't mind the lack of playing time. It's just something that makes everybody happy and gives people something to watch.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind playing more. But I think in the future I'll have more of an opportunity."
When told Steve Francis wants to make sure he earns the All-Star MVP award, 2/7/03

"That's touching. I think I'm going to cry."
Why he decided to wear his Chinese national team jersey to the press conference, 2/7/03

"It's to show I really miss my audience, my family and friends back in China. I want to leave this state as soon as possible [when the season ends]. The thing that I would like to do I have already accomplished. That is to play in [the NBA]."
How he feels about his candidacy for NBA Rookie of the Year, 2/7/03

"The NBA is a big family, and I think of all these rookies as my brothers. I still believe I am blue collar among the All-Stars."
What he plans to do after he retires from the NBA, 2/7/03

"I will probably join the mass media, because I have always been bothered by the mass media. And if I cannot beat them, I will join them."
After the Rockets victory against Minnesota, 2/1/03

"I think passing is a very unique art. I enjoy it. I hope others do, too. I think it brings teammates together. Tonight we had many assists (30), and you can see what it did for us."
Some of the differences of playing in the NBA instead of China, 1/31/03

"You have to read the game in any given moment, and study your opponent and then apply your skills accordingly. These were not my consideration when playing in China or Asia."

"My body condition was not at its best even when I was playing in China. Suffice it to say I am not in my best condition. But I believe the real reason is that after watching my past performances, the teams change the way they play defense on me. They have been rough on me (laugh), so I am facing the real NBA defense now."
The type of ads with whom he likes to be associated, 1/31/03

"I prefer the ads to be creative and fresh. Hopefully, the products I endorse are hi-tech and trendy."
On his physical condition, 1/28/03

"I've never been through something like this before. I don't know if this is what you'd call tired or not. It's like if you've never been drunk before and get drunk for the first time, you don't know that you're drunk. But I'm definitely pretty exhausted in some games."
After the loss to the Detroit Pistons, 1/24/03

"They had very strong centers, but I think it would have been very good if we could have gotten them to collapse the defense inside and gotten the outside guys some looks."
Adjusting his offense for the NBA game, 1/24/03

"A lot of times I have to use the hook shot. It depends on the defender. A lot of times that's the only way I can get my shot off. If there's an opportunity, I'll use it, but it's not a shot I used much when I was in China. I didn't need to use it there."
About being voted to start in the NBA All-Star game, 1/23/03

"I'm very honored and hope I play well in the game. I think I might have to take sleeping pills before I can go to sleep tonight. To have this opportunity makes me very happy. This is a rare opportunity."
His response to reporters' questions about how fatigue may have affected his play against the Mavericks (as described by coach Rudy Tomjanovich, 1/22/03

"I felt I had good opportunities, I just didn't put the ball in the basket. That's the third time somebody's asked me -- I'm not tired."

"If I hit the wall, I don't know it. That's for you guys to decide."
How he feels about upcoming games against tough opponents, 1/19/03

"I think I'm a little more adjusted because of the experience I have. I think I have a little more of a feel for having played people before.
Why he thought Shaq didn't accept his dinner invitation, 1/17/03

"I don't think our refrigerator is big enough."
About his performance against Shaq and the Lakers, 1/17/03

"It gave me great encouragement. I felt like I was underwater for a long time and now I can finally breathe."

"He's like a truck. I've never encountered someone that strong before. He's not crafty, it's just strength. It wore me out playing him."
Thoughts about the January 17th matchup with Shaq and the Lakers, 1/16/03

"I think he has a lot of meat on his elbows, so maybe it won't hurt that much."

"This is a very important reason that factored into my decision to come into the NBA. The game will be a little different than a normal game."
More thoughts from Yao about Shaq, 1/16/03

"He is always smiling and is a very happy person. I think he lives a very happy life."
About the rapid progress in China, 1/10/03

"I've had seven cellphones already myself. China is changing and developing at a rapid pace. All I can say is that I hope my development as a basketball player can match that. While China learns more about the world, I hope that the world will also learn more about China."
Response when asked if he thinks he could have an acting career after filming another television commercial on January 9th in New York, 1/12/03

"I don't think they can find a stunt double for me."
Commenting on Shaq's recent mocking of the Chinese language, 1/10/03

"I really only found out about it in the last two days. I think there are a lot of difficulties in two different cultures understanding each other, especially countries of very large populations (such as) China and the United States. The world is getting smaller and has a greater understanding of cultures. I believe Shaquille O'Neal was joking with what he said, but I think a lot of Asian people don't understand this kind of joke."
Commenting on the Rockets' inconsistency, 12/31/02

"You can't judge a team on just one or two games. You have to look at it as an entire season. This is a young team. My team in China was very much like this."
After learning he had more votes than Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA All-Star game, 1/2/03

"I'm happy, and I'm very honored. If I do play in the All-Star Game, I hope it won't be like my first NBA game was."
How he feels about being the first athlete in Chinese history to have his jersey retired, 12/29/02

"There are a lot of athletes in the history of China that are qualified to have their numbers retired as well. So I feel fortunate to be the first."

"My father also wore the No. 15 when he played. I guess the only thing I feel sorry about is that my son might not be able to wear the number."
What he and his teammates need to do to start winning games again, 12/28/02

"I'm always thinking about how to improve against the teams and players I'm playing against. What I need to think about most right now is how to deal with different kinds of defenses and how to handle it when defenses adjust during the game."

"I think we just need to improve our chemistry, work on passing the ball around and having more faith in our teammates. We need to get stronger mentally.

"We don't have the experience yet, basketball experience and competitive experience."
About what he misses most, 12/24/02

"I miss a kind of atmosphere, a kind of familiar atmosphere when I'm not in the gym. Nothing (here) is familiar besides the gym."
Regarding the responsibility he feels (which is somewhat contradictory), 12/24/02

"I feel a lot of pressure on me. But I feel it every day. I am used to it.

"It is a bit of a burden on me, but I have to realize it's a responsibility I have to shoulder."

"I'm not the only thing that is exciting about China. There are a lot of things about China that are exciting. I'm just doing what I always do and doing what I think I should do. I don't think it's a burden. But if people can learn something from that, that's great."
After playing the Utah Jazz, 12/23/02

"I think that Karl Malone is the strongest person I have ever played against in the NBA."
About his plans for making adjustments in his game, 12/21/02

"Teams are changing their defenses. I need to work and challenge myself to come out and play better. If they're going to switch their defense, I need to change my offense."
About the pivotal 3rd quarter against the Atlanta Hawks when the Rockets took control of the game with a 21-6 run, 12/20/02

"Watching everyone get their shots off like that was like watching fireworks all over the sky. It was coming from everywhere."
How he think it will be playing against teams he has already faced, 12/19/02

"I think it will be tougher the second time around. I'm finding that it's getting more and more physical."
After learning he is a leading vote-getter for playing in the All-Star game, 12/19/02

"There are two sides to it (making the All-Star team). On one side, it would be a great encouragement to me, but on the other side it would be just more pressure. If I make it, I just hope to have some fun."

"I'm very honored by the voting. I'm sure a lot of it is my countrymen (in China) voting for me."
After scoring 29 points, snaring 10 rebounds, and blocking 6 shots against the Indiana Pacers on 12/18/02

"This was one of the most exciting games I've had."
About Texas hospitality...

"The city has given me a very warm feeling. Whenever anybody greets me, they treat me like I'm a Texan, a new Texan. I've been in Dallas before ... and my impression was, 'It's really hot in the summer, the steak is really good, the area is very large and the cities aren't that crowded.' "
About the talk of Yao changing the way basketball is played in the NBA...

"Everything will be based on my own hard work. Chinese people have a saying that to be successful there are two things you need. One is hard work, and the other is a little bit of luck."
About the play Yao and Francis have run for game-tying buzzer-beaters where Francis curls around Yao at the three-point line for the ball and shoots a three using Yao's screen, 12/16/02

"Not only do I think we understand this play very well, but we've used it several times, I think other teams might as well. Maybe we should change it around, and next I should shoot the 3."
Commenting about the Miami Heat's promotion of free fortune cookies for fans who attended the Heat-Rockets game, 12/16/02

"First of all, there's no such thing as a fortune cookie in China. Second, I think maybe fortune cookies are too small. They should give out something bigger."
Miscellaneous quotes (courtesy of NBA.com), 12/10/02

"I don't really enjoy eating turkey, I prefer KFC."

"I did see the new Harry Potter movie recently while we were on the road. I liked it but it was a little long. It helps to have some free time when I'm on the road because traveling is very tiring. I feel very tired a lot of times."

"I am usually resting whenever I can get the chance. I also talked about getting my driver's license. I've been really busy and haven't had time to get that taken care of yet, but when I get a chance I would like to get it done soon. Just so many things to do."

"I am on the computer quite often. I chat with my friends and play computer games. But I don't get to chat as much as I would like because of the time zone differences."

"My parents are doing well. My father just went back to China but he will be returning shortly. My mother is adjusting to life here, she is still not used to it. But she has friends here that keep her company and take her out, so it makes it easier for her to live here. I think it helps that I get to see and talk to her often."

"Some people have asked me questions about the arm band I wore in the Philly game. No it wasn't a fashion statement, I have a long scrape on my arm, so I had to cover it up. The cut is healing so after it heals, I will not be wearing it anymore."

"I feel I'm getting comfortable with the other teammates, we have been working hard in practice. We played a really good game against Philly and were able to beat them by a large amount. Everyone has been pretty fun to hang around. Boki (Bostjan Nachbar) and I have hung out and we get along pretty well, but everyone is so young so it's fun to be around people the same age."
How he feels about his teammates, 12/10/02

"When I’m seeing them score points, it feels like I’m scoring points myself."
What the effect of more frequent fronting defenses will have on Yao, 12/5/02

"I think it will definitely take away from my ability to some degree. Since people are already double teaming me, it's something I am used to, and I like passing the ball.

"I think the fact their defense on me is getting a lot more active and aggressive shows they respect me more."
Comparing his performance against the Spurs in his first preseason game (6 points) to his game against the Spurs where he scored 27 points and had 18 rebounds, 12/3/02

"The biggest difference between the first game and this game, is that my confidence is much, much higher."
After the Kings game where he only took three shots and went to the foul line for 5 attempts, 12/1/02

"It's not that I feel that I have to touch the ball all of the time. But I want to see more effective passes from all of our team. Tonight, I didn't think many of our passes were effective enough."
How he is adapting to the NBA game, and playing seven games in seven cities in 11 nights, 11/29/02

"I feel a lot better about the speed (of the game). A lot better on both sides."

"I'm very tired. Definitely, I think I'm not used to it yet. (In China) we went to at the most two or three cities on a trip.

"I feel the pressure is more on me than other rookies. That makes everything harder. I definitely think the travel is different. It just makes me tired."
Yao's thoughts on the American Thanksgiving, his favorite foods, and Chinese culture, 11/27/02

"I have heard of the turkey that is at the center of this meal. I have tasted some of it before, maybe sliced up or in pieces. But I have never seen a whole turkey served for a meal. And I have definitely never eaten a whole turkey."

"I have been hearing people talk about the holiday as it has gotten closer. I am looking forward very much to having the experience."

"You tell me about all of these things that we will have, so maybe I will decide not to eat all day until we sit down for the dinner."

"Pork chops, chicken soup and anything that my mother cooks are my favorite foods."

"In ancient Chinese culture, there was always a celebration at the time when the fields were first sown, a prayer that the crops would grow. Today, the tradition continues among people who do farming. There are other times when all of us stop to give thanks for what we have. I'll find it interesting to see the American side of this."

"Now I am most looking forward to eating some turkey, learning about America."
How he handles all the pressure and scrutiny, 11/26/02

"The best way to deal with it is sleeping."

"I am very blessed to have my mother and father with me. It feels great to have a home to come back to every night."
After averaging over 19 points a game over a four game stretch, 11/17/02 thru 11/22/02

"My assists have increased because people are looking at me as an offensive threat. When I get the ball I have to pay attention to my teammates as well."
After Yao's Rockets team lost against the Dallas Mavericks, 11/21/02

"You have to understand that I look at the game in two parts -- one part is the enjoyment of playing, the other part is winning. Today, I achieved half of that."
After playing 33 minutes against the Mavericks--a season high, 11/21/02

"I played a lot of minutes today. Of course, I want to play more. But I have to build up my endurance. Their defense was very tight on me and I did not have very many opportunities."
Commenting on playing against 7'6" Dallas center Shawn Bradley, 11/21/02

"I don't get many chances to play against a player as tall as me, so I was very excited. I know I'm not the skinniest player in the NBA."
Commenting about all the commotion about Charles Barkley's infamous bet with Kenny Smith

"It's a little strange to me that people pay attention to things outside the game, rather than the competition itself. But that's not to say it's not fun."

"I knew that Charles and other people in the NBA like to joke around. I didn't think I would be the focus of the jokes so quickly."
Comments before playing the Phoenix Suns, 11/15/02

"There is a lot of pressure on me. This is the most pressure I've ever faced in my life, but it's something I have to deal with."

"Before I was on the Chinese national team, and I was used to their strategy. The NBA is a different game, and I have to get used to it."

"I don't think I have been able to show the best of my abilities yet. I'm not quite used to the speed of the game, especially on offense."

"I've missed out on a lot of opportunities. I've missed out preseason games, preseason practices, so it's been tough. I don't think there are any other first-year players that have had to do that."

"There's nothing I can really say (about people labeling Yao a bust). Basketball is not something that you can talk about, it's an action through which you can show people. I just think I need to show them on the court."

"I try to eat a lot of Chinese food. Up until yesterday, I've been able to eat my mother's cooking almost every day. Obviously when I'm on the road, I can't eat my mother's cooking, because my interpreter can't cook."
Yao commenting on Hakeem and his retirement from the NBA, 11/7/02:

"I've seen him for a long time, and I've learned a lot of things from watching him. I knew this day (Olajuwon's retirement) would come, and I am sorry that it has. I hope he can come to Houston and become a coach and teach me more.

"Of course, I would love to study with him. I would be happier if I could start tomorrow, rather than next year. I could learn a lot of footwork from him."
Yao commenting on his lack of playing time, 11/5/02:

"I haven't had opportunity to play a lot in the game. I hope to play more. It's definitely different to sit on the bench and watch the game. It's a different feeling. I can see the situation on the court when I'm sitting on the bench."
Yao's reply to the question on what he plans to do his first day off in his NBA life, 11/2/02:

"Video games, fishing and driving."
General post-game comments after playing the Indiana Pacers, 10/30/02:

"In all aspects, it felt like a war. I did just so so today. I was a little bit nervous and over-excited because I knew that millions of people were watching this game."

"I don’t think the defensive speed was tough; but getting back on offense was difficult. The reffing is something I can’t control. I could have played better; but there are some rules I have to get used to."

"I will try to grab as many rebounds as I can, do my best to provide strong support to our outside players. That's what a center should do."

"I have missed a month of pre-season training due to national duties. I hope I could get used to the NBA play in ten games."

"I was a little bit sorry for my performance. But that's the reality I have to face."

"I will have my value recognized in several years."

Commenting about sitting on the bench against the Pacers:

"It didn’t feel good and I want to contribute but I have to offer encouragement when I’m not playing."
Summer, 2002

"It took me two years to adapt to going from my club team to the national team. This is a lot different. When I was selected to play for the national team, there was not that much attention focused on me in 1998. Now, everybody is giving me advice; everybody is wanting to talk to me. I'm under the microscope."
Yao smiling and responding (in Mandarin) to the fact he will receive the 'rookie' treatment of having to do various chores for his Rockets teammates, 10/28/02

"A rookie has to do what a rookie has to do."
Yao quoted in a USA Today article, 10/28/02

"I'm used to Chinese things, and I love Chinese things, but I also love new experiences."

"I hope I am a good textbook. It seems to me I am here to do more than play basketball. You have to understand that in China there is a lot of emphasis on collective honor and the honor of the entire country. I'd like Americans to see how Chinese people really work hard in difficult situations. I hope that, through my work in the NBA, they can see that."
Post-game comment after his first NBA game (preseason) against the San Antonio Spurs, 10/23/02

"When you watch on TV it seems easy. When you're out there playing, it is really difficult. The NBA is not something everybody can do. I felt like a rookie."
After Tuesday's practice with the Rockets, 10/22/02

"If I want to be good in the NBA. I have to be strong like Kelvin Cato."
Commenting about the NBA game after his first practice with the Rockets on Monday, 10/21/02

"It's really fast. How quickly? I guess every time we (the Chinese team) were waiting for the shot clock to get to eight seconds. Here, maybe only 10 seconds or maybe 15 seconds to shoot. But I like it ... a lot of shooting."
After arriving at Houston's airport for the first time, 10/20/02

"I know I made everybody wait a long time. I hope everybody will think it was worth the wait."

"I hope that my hard work, I can meet everybody's expectations."

"I can't wait. I can't wait to get into camp and play."
Excerpts of an interview with David Aldridge, ESPN

How important was it to play in a city with a large Asian population?

"I think it will definitely help me adapt to the NBA. At least there will be a lot of Chinese restaurants around to help me adapt to the food easier."

Are you concerned about the adjustments you will have to make in terms of your diet and in terms of the language?

"I think it's probably more difficult for me to adjust to the diet than the language."

Much has been made about Shaquille O'Neal and yourself. What do you think playing against him will be like?

"I think it will be one-sided in my matchup against Shaquille O'Neal. He is much better than I at this point. I think the NBA is a very good classroom for me. I think I will learn from defeat and from my setbacks and it will set a foundation for me to improve in the future."

Do you worry that the other NBA players will be harder on you because you're not from this country, and they want to prove to you that this is their game?

"There are so many successful foreign players in the NBA. I don't think they'll mind another one."
Commmenting on his match-up with Shaquille O'Neal on 11/17/02

"Every problem has to be faced. That's going to be a very important game for me. I'm not going to be looking at it as a normal game. I'm going to look at it as a more important game."
Post-game comments after playing Turkey on 9/6/02

"I need to work on my weight training and speed. My stamina is getting better but it's also something that needs to be better."

"The NBA season is 82 games in six months so that will be hard for me. But I think this is a good preparation for me."
During the World Basketball Championships in Indianapolis

"Mostly, I am curious. The pace of life is much faster (in the United States) than where I live in China.

"I think it will be impossible for me to get used to everything right away. Basketball in America is like a culture. It is like a foreigner learning a new language. It is difficult to learn foreign languages, and it will also be difficult for me to learn the culture for basketball here. It is always fun to adapt to a new environment."