1st summer "vacation" for Yao Ming

When the Chinese basketball team hits the hardwood for the Asian Championships, it will do so without Center Yao Ming. Yao is still recovering from a foot injury that knocked him out of the playoffs with the Houston Rockets. But unable to take part, Yao is still paying close attention to the team.

Yao is still recovering from a foot injury that knocked him out  of the playoffs with the Houston Rockets. But unable to take part,  Yao is still paying close attention to the team.

Yao Ming, Houston Rockets Center, said, "Actually my condition is much better than last year, as at that time I had a surgery. Next week I will fly to the United States to have my feet examined for the second time. If everything's fine, I will begin some training to recover my leg strength, gradually, and maybe after four weeks the doctor will allow me to run. I will follow the doctor's arrangement."

Yao Ming won't be able to compete in this year's Asian Championships, but he still plays close attention on it. He says China's only target is to reclaim the title.

"We don't have to think too much, since our target is the title. We have to beat every opponent."

Yao Ming also expresses his support for the national team's young coach Guo Shiqiang.