Yao has grown into one of NBA's biggest stars
By JONATHAN FEIGEN (CRI/Houston Chronicle)
Updated: 2005-10-07 14:11

"From my second year, I tried to push myself hard. I would say I've improved. I know every year is very important for me, because every year I must improve something."

This season, Yao expects his conditioning to be greater and his post moves versatile and honed. To others, if that does not reach dominance, it will not be enough.

"There's so much on him," the Rockets' Tracy McGrady said. "He has to not even worry about that, just go out be the best basketball player he can be and help his ballclub win. Then there won't be that pressure. I don't think he's gotten that. But he's young, and he's improving every day."

As demanding as measuring up to that charge might be, it is more manageable than growing into the pressure of possibility.
"I don't know how much pressure I need," Yao said. "What is the right amount? No one can tell you right now. But I know I need some pressure to push me forward.

"We will get an answer after maybe 10 years, after I retire."

Minutes earlier, that answer was too much for him to predict, draining to even consider. But suddenly, like a mine with its treasure buried, all that potential seemed worth exploring.