From the Chronicle - Rockets' attorney: All systems go for Yao

Rockets' attorney: All systems go for Yao
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle
With negotiations "heating up," a representative for Chinese center Yao Ming said Tuesday he was extremely optimistic that agreements would be reached in ample time for the Rockets to choose Yao with the first pick of the NBA draft next week.

John Huizenga said a counteroffer he and Erick Zhang planned to bring to the Shanghai Sharks' representatives early this morning (Houston time) could solve the question of the compensation Yao would pay his team to be cleared to play in the NBA.

"I've been here a little more than a week," Huizenga said. "This is the most optimistic I've been. People are recognizing we need to get this finalized. There is too much at stake not to reach an agreement. That feeling is pervasive. That is when things get done."

Huizenga said that once negotiations with the Sharks are completed, he and Zhang would travel to Beijing to meet with China Basketball Association officials. When asked if he was confident the CBA, Sharks and other officials would send their recommendation to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in time for the draft next Wednesday, Huizenga said, "Oh absolutely. Yes, yes, yes, yes.

"There are very strong reasons to have this complete. I'm encouraged that the progress we're seeing is coming much more quickly. People have been very pleased with the prospect of Yao playing in Houston. We're still trying to wrap things up."

Rockets attorney Michael Goldberg said in telephone interviews from Tokyo on his way back to Houston that his most recent meetings to China confirmed the Rockets' negotiations had been successfully completed. He expected the negotiations between Yao and his representatives and the CBA and Sharks would go as well.

"Yao's representative and the Shanghai Sharks and the CBA are in discussions between themselves," Goldberg said. "Once those get worked out. I expect he will be receiving the appropriate FIBA release.

"Throughout the negotiations, I continue as an optimist. I believe everything will be worked out. Yao Ming is considered a national treasure. We have to take it step by step. All indications are internally things will work out between them as well as have with us."

Goldberg has intentionally stayed out of the talks about the percentage of Yao's income that would be sent back to China. But he emphasized the need for Yao to quickly receive his release from FIBA.

"My understanding is the Shanghai Sharks will tell the CBA they have no objections to the release," Goldberg said. "The CBA in conjunction with the Chinese national team and others in the government will instruct FIBA that they have approved the appropriate release. Once FIBA gets that communication, FIBA tells the NBA he has clearance to play in the NBA

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/rox/1460870

 

also from ESPN:

Sources in Houston have said the Rockets would need a monumental turn of events not to select Yao with the top pick and Chicago has all but assured Williams that he will be the second selection.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/story?id=1396483

SHE IS GETTING READY TO SING!!!