Yao Ming: The Next Asian Superstar?
(Updated )

he sweetest moment for Asian men in American sports came on June 26, 2002 at Madison Square Garden. The Houston Rockets had just spent their number one overall draft pick on 7-5 Chinese center Yao Ming over 6-2 Duke guard Jay Williams. The largely black crowd of draft prospects and their contingents booed. They had reason to be displeased. For the past quarter century black athletes had dominated pro basketball and they saw Yao as a subversive force, an alien threat. Even Charles Barkley -- Yao's basketball idol -- sniped at Houston's choice and hinted at bad consequences.
Yao Ming
David or Goliath?

     What's wrong with this picture?
     In the global sports scene blacks have come to represent all-around athletic prowess. Asian athletes, on the other hand, have been painted as disciplined and skilled but lacking power and size, able to excel only in sports no one cares about. For an Asian to get the top pick in a black-dominated sport was heresy.
     To appreciate what Yao represents to Asian American men requires a quick trip down memory lane. And we do mean quick. The lane is short and sparsely populated.
     In the beginning there was Sammy Lee, the first Asian American to win Olympic gold. He did it with 10-meter platform diving at the 1948 London games and again in 1952 at the Helsinki games. Not exactly a marquee sport, but inspiring nevertheless at a time when Asian Americans hardly knew what to call themselves.
     Then came Michael Chang whose 1989 French Open championship has passed into tennis legend. Cramping and down two sets to Ivan Lendl in the round of 16, the 17-year-old phenom dared to discombobulate the Ice Man with moonballs and an underhanded serve. The ploy worked. The proof that Chang's nerves and speed were real came in the classic 5-set finals victory against Stefan Edberg. But Chang's recent ignomious descent into tennis twilight raises the suspicion that he simply lacks the size and power to stay in the power game.
     It wasn't until Hideo Nomo joined the Dodgers in 1995 that an Asian athlete was able to inspire sustained frenzy in one of the big-three sports. Nomo's martian windup and delivery proved so effective that he set Dodgers strikeout records, made the All-Stars and inspired Nomomania.
     By 2001 when Ichiro Suzuki joined the Mariners, Asian imports taking Rookie of the Year honors had practically become a Major League tradition. But none had done it with Ichiro's flair or sunglasses. It wasn't enough that he led the game in hitting and basestealing, he seemed determined to make it look easy. Sex appeal had finally come to the image of the Asian male athlete.
     But the image still lacked something in many AA minds. Sure, for a leadoff hitter Ichiro hit his share of home runs, but he was known for speed and finesse, not power. Having chafed so long under stereotypes denying them size and strength, AA men longed for a star who could knock those assumptions back into the last millennium.
     Eyes turned longingly to football as the obvious arena for the ultimate stereotype smasher -- and saw only Dat Nguyen of the Dallas Cowboys. As a promising linebacker, Nguyen doesn't enjoy the cache of a star offensive back. And at 5-11 and 240 pounds, Nguyen isn't exactly in the 99th percentile in terms of size and power among football players.
     Asian American eyes were drawn to basketball by a trio of giants known collectively as "The Great Wall". They were very big for the Chinese national team. First to make his NBA debut was Wang Zhizhi (7-1, 220 pounds) in April 2001. As a center for the Dallas Mavericks he has averaged 5.5 points per 10.6 minutes of playing time per game. A respectable stat for any rookie but disappointing for those who had hoped for an instant Asian star. Then came Mengke Bateer (6-11, 290 pounds) in February of 2002. Despite 15.1 minutes of play per game as a center for the Denver Nuggets, he too disappointed some with an average 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.
     Enter the Dragon. At a height variously described as 7-5 or 7-6, Yao Ming, 22, is at once the tallest and youngest of the trio. In the past two years his weight shot up from 255 to 295 pound -- and he's still growing. His gifts extend beyond size, however. He moves a foot shorter. Born to a pair of former stars for the Chinese national teams, his court instincts and skills are practically dyed-in-the-wool.
     And yet Yao isn't a lock to defy the darker prognostications of his prospects as a Rocket. He was regularly outplayed by Wang Zhizhi when both were playing in China. Even with Yao, Wang and Mengke, the Chinese national team routinely lost to second-tier powers like France and Lithuania. Yao has never gone up against the likes of Shaquille O'Neal. The adjustment to life in the U.S. will be long and difficult. In short, Yao Ming is ideally positioned to become the biggest disappointment in the history of Asians in American sports.
     Is Yao Ming the next Asian superstar? Or is he more likely to reinforce the image of Asian men as also-rans in power sports? As a Korean guy, I was "gung-ho" about Yao's dominant play and more props to him. And someone made a very good point that I've shared over the years and thats....if your asian in america, it doesn't matter what flavor you are all other ethnic races view us the same way. Just like the white folks of this country who come from various different European races. You don't see Larry Bird hating on John Stockton because Larry is Irish and John Stockton is of another European country? Or blacks getting on Shaq O'neil because his ancestory could be of Nigerian background and Kobe Bryant from the Congos in Africa. They are all considered African Americans! The same should apply to Asians. If Yao does well than, to me, I see an Asian Guy doing well, the same goes for korean pitcher Park and the japanese hitter, Ichiro!!! If you're from Europe(white skin tone) you are Caucasian, if your African (black skin tone) you're considered African American so if have a gold skin tone than you are all Asians!!!!!!!! Get it straight!!!
Asians arguing about Yao?
   Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 22:34:50 (PST)    [198.81.26.235]
Nicoliaservia....you are an idiot!!!! In your message you wrote that....."IF Yao Ming dos not beat SHAQUILLE ONEIL, he is just gonna be another "ALSO-RAN."

So I guess everybody in the NBA who doesn't match up well against Shaq is a "also-ran?" You dumbass, Shaq dominates everybody in the NBA!!!! You're the only Also-Ran in here you fool!!!!!!!
To "NicholiServi" idiot!!
   Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 22:14:38 (PST)    [198.81.26.235]
I can't imaging a human being has such a dark inside in his mind or heart. (see NicholiServia's post below). I don't know if the guy is an asian. If yes, that will be much worse. The Chinese beer ad is also on Rockets's arena and on TV. This is the kind of multi-communication. The world need it. Sports is the fast way to communicate among different countries and races.
If you notice how those great white guys and black guys now comment about Yao ming, you will feel how much worse this guy (NicholiServia)'s mind is!
An Asian guy
   Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 20:55:31 (PST)    [207.23.94.70]
"IF Yao Ming dos not beat SHAQUILLE ONEIL, he is just gonna be another "ALSO-RAN."

What an incredibly astute observation. It's also quite possible you were beaten with a stupid stick along with all the other also-rans scurrying around your trailer park. Gee? D'ya think the Rockets, Houston, or America would "care" if Shaq "outscored" Yao only to see the Rockets BEAT the Lakers over seven? Duh.

In the meantime, Yao will continue to improve while Shaq is already one foot over the precipice of his decline. Shaq's most recent foot problems a harbinger of even more complicated, perhaps more frequent injuries as accumulated wear-and-tear REALLY & FINALLY takes its toll.

Poor Shaq. 10 years of carrying 320-360 lbs on comparatively skinny joints over 30-82+ games per season(college + pro) now paying the price. The king will soon be dead. Long live the (new) king.
Umberto Eco
   Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 10:40:13 (PST)    [24.197.0.6]
Yao Ming is good on the low post and is great on the outside. He is more agile than most people who are half his size. He needs to work on defense but remember he is only 22 years old and has only been in the states for 2 months. He is much better than most critics would ever give him credit for. He's no Shawn Bradley and him and Steve Francis should be able to do great things in Houston.
Air Ming!!!!
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 23:38:10 (PST)    [66.136.44.236]
30 points in 33 min, FG 10-12 FT 10-12 16RB 1AS 2Blocks against the best team in NBA right now.
vs. Shawn Bradley 0 PT 2RB 5 fouls!

Dallas Mavericks are hardly the best team in the NBA. Do you really believe Dallas will win the title this year?
Yao had a break out game but let's see if he can put a string of these performances together. Dominating Shawn Bradly is nothing to brag about. Yao also gets dunked on too much. Let's see how he'll do against Shaq or Duncan.
Counter Puncher
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 17:29:10 (PST)    [205.188.209.43]
NicholiServia

The Rockets when you take away Shaq and Yao.................have greater talent than the LA Lakers.

Except for Kobe, who can really light it up consistently on the Lakers?

The Rockets have Maurice Taylor, Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis. Yao Ming seems like another scorer just now being polished into the diamond and it's just 11 games into this young NBA season.

The Lakers are predicated on tough defense..........which the Rockets lack and on having Shaq rough up the middle while Kobe is the perimeter Ranger.

The Rockets will be dangerous once they figure out their chemisty with Yao. And they already look pretty decent.

Besides, Yao can still get around on his feet..........can Shaq do it for the remaining 70 games plus playoffs (if the Lakers get there)?
worldlyman
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 11:22:36 (PST)    [199.182.14.245]
Chinese and Korean youth LOVE Basketball. I'd have to say they spend more money on Basketball than Soccer per capita.

It goes both ways for me. Bottom line tennis, soccer, and basketball tend to be favorite sports of Asian Americans.
Yup
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 11:13:25 (PST)    [138.23.59.245]
murkyChord & NicholiServia,
The advantage that Yao has over shaq is that he is faster. He can shoot jumpers. Also, I don't think shaq can jump very high either, so this gives Yao an advantage to put jumpers over him.
If Shaq is out of the basket defending Yao, Francise can cut in and do just about anything. As of now, anything is possible. Go, Yao Ming.
Another View
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 11:13:18 (PST)    [205.232.102.18]
Ming is doing great offensively but his defense is pretty weak. He needs to block way more shots and become more of a force defensively. He should start shooting some treys too, that'll make the opposing big men come out and defend leaving paint.
don't go crazy now
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 10:59:36 (PST)    [172.192.154.226]
Its only 1 game, but WOW! Should be a sample of things to come. How consistent I don't know. But for now. Shut up you doubters and Kiss Kenny's As*, Shorty.
Madagascar
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 10:33:25 (PST)    [4.17.136.6]
Sir Charles kissed an ass on national tv over his bet on Yao performance.

Even though Houston lost agianst the Dallas, everyone was focused on Yao's performance.

Yao is on the rise and we are only at game 10 of the season.
AC Dropout
   Friday, November 22, 2002 at 07:47:00 (PST)    [24.90.98.143]
Im proud that Asian people (Chinese especially) have a superstar to look forward to.
I think that Yao Ming however, is just a way for the NBA to capitalize off of Asians. I mean think about it, If you have ever been to China you would know China's CCTV system tends to show only sports where the Chinese are winning.
They actually show only clips of news and video where the CHINESE opponents win the game. Now here they have Yao Ming who is the 'LICOLN NAVIGATOR' of Asian Men. They will undoubtedly put more emphasis on games he is a part of. That means more viewers and more cash flow.
Chinese and Korean youth LOVE Basketball. I'd have to say they spend more money on Basketball than Soccer per capita. Basketball jerseys, B'ball sneakers from Nike, etc.
Yao Ming is going to bring more attention with him from the Asian community. Perhaps Yao Ming is going to be the NBA's next cash cow like SHAQ or Michael Jordan, KOBE or Iverson. Anything these guys are in MAKES MONEY.
But there is question on everyone's mind that have yet to be seen:
How will YAO Ming do against SHAQ?


I personally refuse to believe that the hieght difference is gonna simply let the Rocktets beat LA Lakers. I refuse to believe it. Until I see it.
Even if Yao Ming could outplay Shaq (an impossibility for now) he would still need to outplay the shooters and 3-pointers. YAO Ming is gonna be a ONE-MAN team.
SHAQ represents the pinnacle of NBA male roles. In China, Korea, and Japan EVERYONE knows Shaquille Oneil or 'a o nier' as his name is pronounced among non english speakers. His name is virtually a BRAND NAME. To anyone who has seen this guy on the Pepsi commercial CARRYING a damn PEPSI soda machine, it is clear that HE is the man to beat.
There is about a 3 inch difference between them and I dont think that will be enough for Yao Ming to topple an entire team.

So Yao Ming is definately gonna bring in that extra money to NIKE and those extra eyes to basketball in my opinion but, IF Yao Ming dos not beat SHAQUILLE ONEIL, he is just gonna be another "ALSO-RAN."
NicholiServia
   Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 23:52:23 (PST)    [211.156.8.229]

30 points, 16 rebounds, in 33 minutes, against the best team in the NBA and the tallest team in the NBA. Yao Ming has arrived!!!!!! All you doubters and racists: Yao has triumphed over you!!!!!
Realist
   Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 23:05:34 (PST)    [210.0.188.194]
YAO MING has a great shootin % and he made 30pts and grabed 16rebs. OH WOW YAO
TYCHIMASTA
tychimasterz@yahoo.com    Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 21:33:19 (PST)    [67.118.164.5]
What a night! Wow, Yao!

30 points and only missed 2 field goals.

I see that his teammated are very reluctant or not intent on passing him the ball. That may have costed the Rockets tonight's game in the 4th quarter.
Asian basketball
   Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 21:23:06 (PST)    [64.130.235.33]
How about Yao's 30 points against the Dallas Mavericks?

As his comfort level grows and grows in the NBA.........with the weapons he has with the Rockets.............I kind of look eager to a playoff run. Houston will have a promising team this year.
worldlyman
   Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 20:06:22 (PST)    [199.182.14.224]
30 points in 33 min, FG 10-12 FT 10-12 16RB 1AS 2Blocks against the best team in NBA right now.
vs. Shawn Bradley 0 PT 2RB 5 fouls!

How do you spell total domination?

http://www.nba.com/games/20021121/HOUDAL/boxscore.html
Sir Charles, Kiss my foot
stevewang@yahoo.com    Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 19:29:49 (PST)    [162.119.64.100]
The Rockets Mavs game was beautiful. More so than the fact that Yao had the best game of his career, but it was on primetime television, watched by tons of people cuz the Mavs have the best record in the NBA. He'll only get better; let's all hope for him that he won't get hurt.
Thomas
   Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 19:04:43 (PST)    [129.81.147.133]
This is for the record. Counterpuncher is now officially drowning. To all the self-hating Asians who would rather put down and ridicule their brothers without offering even a chance for justification, this is for you. Yao Ming has scored 21 points in the first half against the dallas mavericks. This is all I have to say...my post speaks far too much just by itself.
chinatown
   Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 17:49:48 (PST)    [67.98.162.24]

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