Around The Rim

Agent Bill Duffy confirmed late last week that his biggest client, 7' 6" center Yao Ming of China, will play this April at the Nike Hoop Summit, a showcase for top high school seniors and international prospects 20 and under. Ming flirted with declaring himself eligible for the draft last season and is considered one of the most tantalizing young big men in the world. The 19-year-old Ming will let his performance at the Summit in Indianapolis dictate whether he will come out in June....

Asia is forming a Super League this summer with entries from China, Hong Kong, Japan and the Philippines. Each team will be allowed up to two foreigners....

League sources say Michael Jordan has not abandoned plans to purchase an NBA club nor has he given up on buying a piece of the Wizards....

Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale, responding to those who point out that his club doesn't draw many fouls, says, "Getting to the line is a mind-set, not just a matter of muscle. But I will say this: We've lost some of our swagger."

...Last Friday's win over the Bulls marked the first time that 76ers coach Larry Brown had all his starters from last season available. Until then, he had gone with
14 lineups in 24 games.

Contrary to reports, Kobe Bryant did not become the first active player to own part of a pro basketball team when he bought 50% of Olimpia Milano of the Italian League. Luc Longley, the Suns' Australian center, has been co-owner of the Perth Wildcats since August.