Yao Ming checks in with the final installment of his online journal, giving you insights into the Rockets rookie's first season in the NBA. Throughout the season Yao Ming discussed his progress both on and off the court, including the adjustment to his new teammates, the city of Houston and a whole new culture.

(Translation by David Wen)




One of the highlights of Yao's terrific rookie season was nailing his first NBA three-pointer at Golden State.
Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE/Getty Images
April 22, 2003 - This year we lost many games that we should not have, yet we were just one step away from the playoffs. I feel positive that we will be in the playoffs next season, but we really feel like we lost some games this season that we shouldn't have. If I had to tell you the most important reasons for us not making the playoffs, I would say Rudy’s leave was definitely one. Another reason is that the team was adjusting to me, and I needed to adjust to the team. Also sometimes we played a little too relaxed, and the fortune of the Suns was really good.

There were a lot of adjustments I needed to make in order to play in the NBA. I not only needed to get used to the team, the team also had to adjust to me. I played my first season in the NBA like I played before since I did not attend the summer camp. I had to try and utilize all my techniques that I already had. Hopefully you'll see a change in me next year and that will be because of my training in the summer.

There are some special strategies in the NBA because the rules are totally different from what I played before. Although I was able to feel the real NBA game atmosphere, I still need to get used to the NBA and its rules. I got some fouls called on me but as a rookie, I think the referees were very good to me. I will never get caught up with the referees. To me, a call has already been made, the game is not finished, and we need to continue to play. Some will say a call may decide a game at the end, but to me, there are 82 games a season and I have many seasons to play. That is something not in my control.


Kelvin Cato was instrumental in helping Yao adjust to the NBA game.
Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images
I learned how to treat the media too. To tell you the truth, I don't really like answering all their questions since it costs a lot of time, but I now know this is part of an NBA player’s life. My style of living has changed also, more like a few years earlier when I was living at home since both of my parents are here with me.

The weakest point of our team is not any position, but learning to play together. The team took a while getting used to me and it was an adjustment for me to get used to them. This was the first year for everyone. But now I basically know the habits of each player. Because I like to pass the ball a lot, I need to know what position they like to be when they shoot, and what circumstance they feel more comfortable in. So I need to know their differences and that takes time to learn.

Our team is young, we are all similar in ages. Glen (Rice) is the oldest, but he is also lively. All American players are like this I guess. Only Eddie Griffin is sometimes like an older guy I think because he does not talk a lot. But we are all young and we get along very well. (Kelvin) Cato is very energetic, he helped me a lot in learning the NBA. He has taught me a lot of things hand by hand, such as defensive positioning, etc. There is a defensive three seconds rule in the NBA, so I must relearn the spacing and timing. On the other hand, he gave me a lof of competition, like someone standing behind and whipping you. In fact all of my teammates helped me a lot.


Hakeem Olajuwon poses with Yao prior to a game earlier this season.
Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images
I didn't think I would play that well this season since I did not attend the summer camp. I thought my points average would be lower by about four points, and I would be happy if I could grab five or six rebounds a game. One thing is for sure, the team helped me a lot and I know I will always be playing hard. 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.

Before I join the China national team, I will rest for a while. I will make all the adjustments before I go. I know it would be better for myself to play in the summer training camp, but although I am young, it is my sixth year on the national team, so I am one of the older ones. I will attend all the training like all the other players. I have always felt that playing for the national team is an honor so I will follow the team arrangement.

I heard that the NBA is talking about the Rockets and Kings playing some preseason games in China. Of course I am happy about that. I can make a trip home right before the season. This is a game that Chinese fans have been waiting for for a long time.

Thank you to all the fans for your support of me and the Rockets this season. If everyone could be in the arena rooting for us, I think we will not let you down next year. See you then.

Yao Ming

From Yao's online journal at the official rocket site

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/yao_journal030421.html