http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/basketball/article/0,1426,MCA_466_1605828,00.html Yao Wow Wow December 13, 2002 Rockets rookie sensation Yao Ming, a 7-5 center from Shanghai, China, has impressed everyone with his rapid improvement. "He's a good player, and he needs to be here to learn against the best players in the world." - Portland center Arvydas Sabonis "He has a great touch, and he's bigger than you think he is in person. He shot better than I thought he could. We had a hand in his face, and it didn't matter." - Spurs center Tim Duncan after Yao had 27 points and 18 rebounds in a Dec. 3 game "He's a gift from God." - 76ers guard Allen Iverson "He knows the game well. I think his teammates will eventually get used to him and what he can do." - Kings center Vlade Divac "He has all the tools. He can shoot. He can dribble. He's no slouch." - Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal "I kept saying teams should trade up to draft him first. I'm happy for the Rockets because they were firm in their conviction. People kept trying to bluff Houston off its pick and second-guess the Rockets after they drafted him." - Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown
