Yao Ming fires off after embarrassing loss in Athens
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-16 00:45

Chinese basketball superstar Yao Ming spoke out his disappointment with his teammates following an embarrassing 83-58 loss to Spain at the opener of the men's basketball tournament of the Athens Olympic Games on Sunday.

China's Yao Ming sits dejectedly on the bench with team mates after he had been fouled out of their preliminary Group A Olympic basketball game against Spain at the Helliniko Indoor Arena in Athens, August 15, 2004.[Reuters]

"I'm disappointed with my teammates," the Houston Rockets center said. "We gave up at the end of the game. I don't think some of my teammates cherish the honor to play for the country at the Olympic Games."

Trailing 61-43 into the fourth quarter, China never picked up real attacks to close the gap. Yao yelled at head coach Del Harris and his teammates during a time-out midway in the period.

"It's not easy making into the national team. A bunch of good players were cut off to make the final squad. But I don't think they know how important it is to stand here," said Yao, who had 12 points and five rebounds before fouled out down the stretch.

"I don't know how the players at home will think about us after they know the loss. They would not have played worse if they would have been here," he added.

Harris, former assistant coach of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, said he thought his team had chance to beat the Europeans.

"I know Spain is a good team, but I think we were better prepared, especially after we played well at the Diamond Ball Tournament. I thought we could have competed better than them," Harris said.

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