Yao Ming and the Chinese men's basketball team takes its shot at Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the "Redeem Team" from the United States at 10:15 a.m.(EDT) and scheduled to be shown live as part of eight hours of daytime coverage that starts at 10 a.m. on NBC.
When Yao came to America to play in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, it was in part to expose him to the game at its highest level. The moment when that could pay off is at hand with the Beijing Games and this matchup with Team USA.
How big is the 7-foot-6 Yao's presence at these Games?
"In China, Yao is the messiah," American guard Dwyane Wade said Friday.
The Americans face another big obstacle, too. The crowd will be largely Chinese, making it a hostile environment for the U.S., coached by Duke's Mike Krzyzewski.
— McClatchy-Tribune (AP photo)
