If he was still on good terms with Beijing, the argument could be made that an NBA team would take a chance on him because he could have attracted Chinese fans and sponsors.

It seems that since they were teenagers, their actions were always somehow connected. And here we have the latest, with Yao getting the short end of the stick for a change.

He's one of the best players in the NBA. You have to take your hat off to him the way he carries his team.

Three or four of those guys are in the NBA now. Illinois was a lot better and they proved it. This is a whole different game. If we get ready and play, we'll have a chance to win. That makes me feel good.

the one with the relationship with (NBA Commissioner) David Stern.

That works at Duke. I don't think it works in the NBA. They get that call at Cameron (Indoor Stadium).