In first game since being drafted by Rockets, Chinese center scores 26 points on 10-12 shooting and hits shot from the floor in 82-65 loss to Italy
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2002 2:36 PM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2002 ClutchFans.net
In the first game for Yao Ming since being drafted by the Rockets Wednesday, the Chinese National Team faced off against Italy Monday evening (in China) and fell 82-65.
While China didn't rise to the occasion, you can't exactly blame Yao. The 7-foot-5 center, facing double teams all night, scored 26 points on 10-12 shooting. He also hit 6-9 shots at the free throw line.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, the highlight of the night came when Yao fought for a loose ball on the floor and "hit a basket while he was sitting on the floor".
