No matter how Chinese sports officials address the dearth of basketball talent, resting on Yao’s laurels is no longer an option. His departure, some fans said, has stirred a surprising emotion: relief.
“Yao’s presence was like a massive shadow that no one could escape,†said Li Nan, the amateur player in Beijing. “Everybody thought if they wanted to make it to the N.B.A., they would have to be like Yao — a 7-6 Chinese ambassador.â€
According to a recent report in the Chinese news media, Yao no longer wants to carry the national team on the court or the country’s pride on his shoulders.
“Chinese basketball,†he said, “should no longer hope for anything from me.â€
via Yao’s Retirement Forces China To Rethink Basketball System | NYTimes.com.
Your loss is an NBA fan’s gain, China. He’s tasted freedom – and fried chicken – and he’s not going back to your rules! He’s going to be an ambassador for the game at large, straddling borders like a modern-day Teddy Roosevelt. Yao will see your Panama Canal, Mr. Roosevelt, and raise you knock-off Kobe Bryant jerseys.
I just have one request. If Hollywood comes knocking, Yao, please, please turn down the Princess Bride remake.
