The Chinese Yao Ming will play in NBA for Houston

An Asian is Nº 1 of draft for the first time; the Scola Argentinean did not appear between the best ones

The Argentinean Luis Scola paid expensive his impossibility to leave Ceramic Tau, of Spain - had to pay 2.000.000 of dollars to terminate a contract of six years -, and for that reason he did not appear in the first wheel of draft of NBA, that was made last night, in the Madison Square Garden, of New York.

Anyway, its illusion to play in the most powerful professional league of basquetbol will extend, because it had possibilities in the second return, that took place to the closing of this edition, or of being called by outside draft.

In the first positions there were no surprises: the Chinese giant Yao Ming, of 2.25 meters and 110 kilos, was selected by Houston Rockets in the first place (never an Asian had obtained to it), after which few hours before the federation of its country sent the rating to NBA, although with many reserves. In principle, Houston had to accept to yield it whenever selected his she asks for it and to turn to the Chinese government half of the pay. Ming will have a contract guaranteed of of 3.215.200 dollars.

Ming, who vió the ceremony by television in its house and next to its parents, is integral of the denominated trio the traveling Chinese Wall, that is completed both with first compatriots incorporated by NBA: Wang Zhizhi (Dallas), of 2.18 meters, and Menk Batere (Denver), of 2,13. China - recordarse- must will be rival of Argentina in the World-wide one of Indianapolis, if both are classified for the second wheel. Ming, an agile player, of polished technique and good launching, considered in its country as national Treasure of the sport, were the star of the Chinese championship that obtained its equipment Shangai Sharks. "Beginning a new life and a great challenge; I know that I will face many difficulties but I have a great faith ", said yesterday Ming to the North American TV.

Chicago decided on the base Jay Williams (Duke), in à. selection; soon Golden remained with Mike Dunleavy (Duke), son of the DT of Sacrament, and in â., Memphis chose to Drew Gooden (Kansas).

The surprise also arrived with the ä.elección, when Denver remained with the Georgian Nickoloz Tskitishvili, of Benetton, of Italy, and with the Brazilian Nené, of 2.10 meters and only 19 years, that was chosen in 7a. position by New York, but yielded to the Nuggets by Antonio Davis.