YAO MING will lead the Chinese national team against an NBA All-Star lineup headed by Steve Nash in a charity game in Beijing next week, Chinese media reported.
Two-time MVP Nash proposed the game to Yao, who said he had no hesitation in agreeing when it was determined the money raised would go to helping educate children in rural China.
“I can promise that all the money will be used for poor children to get a better education,” Yao said.
Joining Nash on the NBA team will be Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets, the Golden State Warriors’ Baron Davis and this year’s top NBA draft pick, Greg Oden from the Portland Trail Blazers.
A trio of Yao’s teammates from the Houston Rockets will also play.
Yao said the crowd could expect a few surprises in what will be a friendly encounter Sept. 14, and that he may even play a half with both teams.
“We are not playing to win, so it will be something different from a formal match,” he said.
The NBA has already announced a series of exhibition games in China in October featuring full-strength teams.
The NBA’s China Games feature LeBron James and the NBA Finals runner-up Cleveland Cavaliers meeting the Orlando Magic in Shanghai on Oct. 17 and in Macao on Oct. 20.
The Cavaliers will also play China’s national team Oct. 18 in Macao.(SD-Agencies)