Yao's Shot at Draft Is Blocked; Potential No. 1 Pick Denied Clearance to NBA by Chinese Club From: The Washington Post | Date: May 12, 2001| Author: Steve Wyche | Copyright 2001 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post.Copyright information

Chinese basketball star Yao Ming will have to wait at least another year to play in the NBA after his club team denied him clearance to enter this summer's NBA draft. Yao, a 7-foot-6 center and most valuable player in China's top professional league, was projected as the possible first overall pick if he was able to compete in the NBA next season.

A Chinese official said Yao was committed to training with the Chinese national team in preparation for next year's Asian Games. Yao also is...