Yao sees NBA future for Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - Former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming yesterday said Asian players, including Filipinos, have got what it takes to play in the NBA.

“There are good Iran players who can make it to the NBA, perhaps a Filipino or some Asian players from other countries can make it there also in the future,” said Yao through an interpreter in yesterday’s press conference of the Philippines-China Friendship Games at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

The 7-6 Yao, one of the first Asian players to break into the NBA, cited the Chinese and the Filipinos’ strong passion for basketball.

“Our countries love basketball so much, we have both passion for the game,” said Yao, who played nine seasons with the Rockets.

He, however, thinks it will take time before another Chinese gets drafted by an NBA team.

“There are young talented players in China but it will be a long way to go before we can have another player in the NBA, but some of them may play there later,” he said.

Yao, however, urged the Asian players to continue developing their skills and improve their games to get a crack at the NBA.

“We all have to see improvements in basketball in all over Asia not just in China or the Phl and other countries. Develop higher and higher,” said Yao.

Yao also said he will not play for the Shanghai Sharks when they play a pair of exhibition games with Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 tonight at the MOA Arena and a PBA selection team tomorrow at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m afraid it may not happen, my injury will not allow me to do that plus there’s no jersey for me anymore,” said Yao, who announced his retirement in 2011 due to foot and ankle injuries.