Two months ago, Yao Ming was the most questionable top-pick in NBA's history, open to everyone's cross-talk and critics.
The Houston Rockets center suffocated all doubts around him in his first 28 NBA games, rocketing into one of the hottest personalities of the league with his dazzling footsteps and delicate touch.
But to the 22-year-old Chinese future super star, it is yet the time to enjoy.
"It's not as easy as Yes or No, Good or Bad," Yao talking about his feelings of the first two-month life in NBA. "I'd like to say every experience has the part worth to be cherished for. I could find out the best part of the life no matter I'm in NBA or in CBA (Chinese Basketball Association), and I believe I also could have had done the some if I had started my international career from other leagues, like from the Euro League."
After a stumble start with zero points and two rebounds in the season-opener, Yao is leading the league in field goal percentage (.573), ranked second in scoring average (13.0), second in rebounding (7.9), first in blocks per game (2.04) among NBA rookies.
He was tagged as the hottest runner for the Best Rookie of the Season and slightly trails Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers for starting center honor in the 2003 NBA All-Star game at the Western Conference.
The reserved Yao admitted he didn't expect to be successful so quickly.
"I didn't expect it to be so fast, and I have to say, I don't like it fast. It doesn't matter if people talk harsh words into my face at the beginning. I'd thought it would take me at least one season to reach the current level. I'd rather to take a slower step towards success," Yao said before Saturday's morning practice at the Westside Tennis Club gym.
"I've kept telling myself to be aware of setbacks. What I have achieved now here could not be called success," Yao said.
He said he is quite aware of the tense of the media after he boomed his game.
"There are only two ways how the media is talking about you -- winner or loser. There are no other opinions in middle.
Some players are content to be the blue-collar class of the league. I never dare to think about to be that type ... There are always some reporters keep reminding me that 'there are billions of Chinese people watching you from behind'. I must set the goal to be one of the best, otherwise the Chinese fans will dump me."
Yao said it's easier dealing with the pressure than with the media.
"I don't know how I'm dealing with the pressure on me. I'm just living my life. I sleep and play computer games in the spare time. I always focus on what I'm doing. I don't have to worry about anything."
"I'm trying to do my best on the first step here. After that I'll focus on the second and the third. To enjoy the life in a simply way. This is my life and it helps me a lot."
(People's Daily December 30, 2002)
