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NBA players impressed with Chinese goliaths
SYDNEY, Sept 18 (AFP) - Members of the "Dream Team" think 20-year-old Chinese goliath Yao Ming has the skills to become China's first National Basketball Association player. The NBA stars got their first look at the 2.27m center and his fellow big men in China's "Walking Great Wall" here Sunday and taught them a valuable lesson - it's hard to stand tall sitting on the bench in foul trouble. Ray Allen scored 21 points and Vince Carter added 16 to lead seven players in double figures as the United States collection of NBA talent routed China 119-72 in the Olympic opener for both teams. "He has got skills," US center Alonzo Mourning said. "He's a young kid. I would like to see him in the league. He could be effective if he puts on some weight. He has a nice touch from outside. You don't see many guys his size who can run like he can. He is talented." NBA players drove at Yao, 2.15m center Wang Zhi Zhi and 2.10m center Menk Bater, forcing them to foul to prevent baskets. Wang led China with 13 points but spent more than 22 minutes on the bench. Yao fouled out 70 seconds into the second half with only five points and three rebounds - a disappointing end to his long-awaited chance to test himself against NBA talent. "I have been waiting for this match for a long time," Yao said through a translator. "I'm disappointed we did not win but I'm happy with my performance anyway." Yao was prevented from attending a US training camp for top teen basketball talent earlier this year because of his Olympic commitment. He said he has no idea when or if he will be allowed to leave the Chinese army and try for the NBA. "It's hard to say when I'm going to the NBA," Yao said. "Because it was the Olympic year, they did not want me to go to try out this year for the NBA. It's too early to say whether or not I might try out for the NBA next year." Yao said Chinese officials are not fearful of losing their top star. "They don't think they will lose the people," Yao said. "They will have people come to play in the NBA and then come back and spread the knowledge." And that knowledge, said US forward Vin Baker, is what Yao needs to raise his game to the level need to play at a top level through an 82-game NBA campaign. "He's a very good player," Baker said. "He has the capabilities to play in the NBA. He needs more NBA experience. But he has the skills to play. He has ability. He has just got to get more experience against somebody older than him. "He fouled out but he played hard. He needs to grow. I would encourage him to play hard. It was tough tonight but he has got a lot of chances in life.
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