CHN – Yao, Yi on the mend; Xu Yong’s career reportedly over

CHINA (Olympics) - All is going according to play on Yao Ming’s recovery from a foot operation that brought a premature end to his season with the Houston Rockets.

The 7ft 6in center was enjoying the best year of his NBA career when doctors discovered a stress fracture, and the China national team star opted for surgery.

"Yao Ming is recovering and can jog on the training track,” said Chinese basketball team executive manager Bai Xilin.

“However, the doctor had told him that he could only use 75% of his energy. As for when he comes back, it's up to the re-examination and his recovery, but he will be back roughly by the end of June."

Former Guangdong star Yi Jianlian got hurt at the end of his rookie campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Yi Jianlian has trained under his personal trainer and is recovering very well," Bai said.

Xu Yong, meanwhile, the promising 19-year-old Shanghai Shark, is not expected to play basketball again after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

Xu’s agent Zhang Bingji said in remarks carried by the Chinese media: "This kind of cancer is light, it will not threaten Xu Yong's life, and the cure rate is high. I hope the media will not disturb him in order to provide him a peaceful atmosphere to recover.

"He needs an operation to remove the tumor. Amputation (of the leg) is not needed. Life is not threatened, but he will leave his basketball life forever.

"He is a strong boy, after knowing that he will say goodbye to basketball court forever, he said he would face the reality. We are very sad about the truth."

FIBA