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Yao, Bogut among 100 global stars set for NBA season
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-10-31 09:21

Yao will be aided by the addition of free agent forward Stromile Swift, who will be counted upon to join the Chinese star in dominating the boards.

"I think we'll have a good year," Yao said. "Right now, Tracy and me have one year of experience. We know how to play together."

Aussie big man Bogut will make his NBA debut when the Milwaukee Bucks open Tuesday at Philadelphia while 2.26m giant Yao will spark the Houston Rockets, who begin their season on Wednesday at home against Sacramento.

In 2002, Yao became the first international player taken with the first pick in the NBA Draft. Bogut followed that legacy this year although the 7-footer went through the US college system, unlike Yao.

Bogut made his name with skilled passing and quickness inside last season at the University of Utah, averaging 20.4 points and 12.2 rebounds a game and hitting 62 percent of his shots to claim consensus Player of the Year honors.

Bogut averaged 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Aussie Olympic squad last year at Athens and hopes to help lift a rebuilt Bucks' squad beyond their 30-52 showing last season after a solid pre-season showing.

"His skills will be accentuated when you put better players around him, and his passing skills will become better when you have more scoring threats around him," Bucks coach Terry Stotts said.

"My concern for him is the progress he shows at the defensive end."
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