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Yao Ming eager to be back on court

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-25 16:32

Huston Rockets' player Yao Ming attends a press conference in Huston, Sept 25, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

WASHINGTON - China's NBA All Star center Yao Ming told a press conference on Friday that he's just happy to be able to return on court.

"After one year away, I keep telling myself, 'Be patient, be patient.' This injury cannot be healed up in one day," said the 2.26 meters 30-year-old basketball star. "Last night, I was thinking, 'This season is about to start. It's time to go.'"

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The Houston Rockets are to open a training camp on Saturday and no one from the team knows how Yao will do back to the court this season after foot surgery in July, 2009 sidelined him all of last year.

"I haven't played in a real game yet," Yao said. "I don't know how it might react to the intensity. Hopefully, we can learn as soon as possible."

Team doctor Tom Clanton gave Yao the green light to resume basketball activities a month ago, but ordered to limit his playing time to 24 minutes per game.

Yao will practice with his team on Saturday but true test will come when the Rockets open the preseason against Orlando on Oct 5.