Yao down and out again

The Houston Rockets are grinding out another season without their star Chinese center yet again. After appearing in five games this season, Yao Ming is out indefinitely with another severe injury that will keep out of the remaining season and possibly more.

 By Albert Leung, Staff Writer

The Houston Rockets are grinding out another season without their star Chinese center yet again. After appearing in five games this season, Yao Ming is out indefinitely with another severe injury that will keep out of the remaining season and possibly more.

Following a six-minute-performance against the Washington Wizards on Nov. 10, 2010, Yao left the game with what was first thought a re-injury to his recently mended foot that had recovered from a stress fracture.

An MRI, however, showed that the 7 foot 6 inch NBA center had a stress fracture in his left ankle. China's greatest basketball star is faced again with a career threatening injury.

Initially, Ming's spirits and hopes to return to action fell upon learning about his latest injury when multiple stories reported that he was considering retirement. Latest reports, however, indicate that Ming is prepared to fight another battle and is determined to play in the NBA again.

On Jan. 6, 2011, the Houston Rockets' franchise player underwent surgery to repair the injury. Another slow and agonizing recovery process is ahead of Yao who is openly declaring his mission to return to playing form.

It is possible for Yao to recover from this injury and resume his career. Current Phoenix Sun and former NBA rookie of the year Grant Hill suffered from chronic ankle injuries and a stress fracture in his ankle for several years in the prime of his career. Many analysts and reporters thought Hill's playing days were over but after years of rehab and training, the 38-year-old forward is still playing at a high-level.

Hill, however, isn't as immense in stature as Yao is. The jury is still out on whether the former All-Star center and his 300 pound frame can return to the game that made him into a worldwide sensation.