Yao Ming is the fourth best center in the family

Ralph Sampson, Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon come together to welcome Dwight Howard in Houston.
Everyone who ever took lessons from Hakeem Olajuwon , know that classes are mainly composed of countless tricks and performing hooks in the immediate vicinity of the ring. Nevertheless favorite part of the master - the various guidance and advice, a kind of verbal row.

Over the years, in the strongest league in the world dream to have a clear idea about basketball. Here, a comprehensive awareness of its role and responsibilities on the dance floor. Hardly anyone is able to understand all of this to the full, not having been in the shoes of a legend. In this case, quite often it has completed its case in the following words: "It's not because of me.'s All about position in basketball." Now, at the age of 50, he does both with undisguised pleasure discusses the role and mission of centering. It's no secret that Dwight Howard also worked a lot with Hakim. And now, the teacher decided to collect the legendary giants, "Houston" - Yao Ming and Ralph Sampson , in order to welcome the new arrival in the hope that someday he will be able to take its rightful place in history next to them. - Hakim has always claimed that the fifth number - it's a real stronghold of the team, the primitive essence of basketball. What do you think about this? Howard : Yes, this is a special role. We - the final frontier, the core squads. We are able to rally partners. While all eyes were fixed on the defenders and their spectacular tricks, we silently bear the burden of his charge. Depends on the pivot at times very much at both ends of the court. We are committed to making life easier teammates. Only now it seems that the era of giants behind. For me as the best days are still ahead. And when that time comes, clubs with a truly powerful "fifths" are simply irresistible. To be a great pivot, you need to dominate both in defense and in attack. Your skills should cause trepidation in the hearts of opponents and trembling in his lap. - What about the role of the post, if you ignore the physical presence? Howard : He must sacrifice everything for the sake of his team. This is our duty. We can not keep the ball and throw distance, as defenders. To be cool, "center", you need to have a special temperament. Yes, belong to this role, and sometimes great fun. But also you have to be an example to follow. The partners hope to you, on your block shots and actions in defense. Everyone expects you to correct and timely decisions. That's what I'm going to try to do: to become the foundation of a new club. That's how it all started. - Coaches are increasingly using pivot differently than in the old days. Now, you rarely see a combination in which the ball is loaded onto the post, and the rest are moving around. Right? Olajuwon : Yes, but change the basics of the game nobody can. Centering position is firm in any team. In the end, a really skilful "big" can ensure the squad unit shotami, rebounds and activity in the "paint." In the attack the same pivot to diversify their activities. Sampson : And all of this is in direct relation to actions outside the three-second zone. Olajuwon : All right, this basketball fundamentals are not subject to reformation. We just need to find a "fifth", which will be able to show the importance of the position. I think Dwight afford to bring the best skills of pivot in the game, "Houston." - Ralph agree? You've performed not only the traditional duties of a classic centering. Sampson : Believe me, I've spent enough time in the "paint." Leaf through the pages of history and you will realize that without the presence of a three-second power can not win the title. "Miami" in this context is counting on LeBron James, but they were squeezed with "Indiana", is not it? And if Roy Hibbert will continue to progress, I would venture to suggest that in the next drawing the playoffs, "Pacers" Floridians will smash into smithereens. Michael Jordan also prevailed in the "paint", but then "Chicago" was a formidable force in thereof, especially on defense. In the attack as his Vozdushestvo mainly deal with the enemies himself. Olajuwon : They have always been giants, always. Sampson : Remind a minute, how old Tim Duncan, 37? And yet, "San Antonio" did not have quite a bit to the next title. You do not have to be cool, "big", otherwise the highest goals you do not achieve it. - Being an outstanding pivot - this is not only possess a rich arsenal of skills? Sampson : Right. As has been previously said Dwight, he refuses he wants to play, he acted in "Orlando." He began to think more. If he can clear the mind of unwanted emotions, everything will turn out: after all, with the skills he has a full order. He needs to be myself, and then Howard easily become unconditionally league's best center. - When you teach young center that you want to bring them in the first place? Olajuwon : They are required to learn and understand the functions of their own destiny. As coach McHale said, you need to dominate on both ends of the court. After pivot can influence the outcome of matches. None of the other positions are not so important for the team: essential can only be called "fifth". Sampson : That's why it is so important to sign Howard. After all, if someone took the other, there would be no certainty that that will affect the outcome of the strongest. Perhaps compare with him in this aspect might just LeBron. Olajuwon : "Houston" glorious dynasty pivot, which include such prominent figures as Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, Ralph Sampson, Yao Ming . Unbelievable, the strongest traditions of the school. Very few can boast such an achievement. Is it only the "Lakers" ... Yao : At the same time we must understand that in the last 10-20 years league has undergone major changes. In the NBA there are few real pivot. And we are very fortunate that the club was able to lure the best of them. A dozen years ago, when I came here, was well aware of how cool the Giants played there before me. Not to say that we are passing the baton from generation to generation, because I'm not much older than Howard. But I am glad that the tradition is not extinguished, and gained his face in the next sequel. - Hakim, because you know that the first match, which saw Yao was your confrontation with Patrick Ewing? Yao : Yes, I'm talking about, but you probably do not remember. Olajuwon : I thought you were so decided to play a trick on me. Yao : I was living in China, and it was the first match, aired from us. Yes, that is the series in New York. I then had no idea what was witnessed. Olajuwon : But you've already played basketball? Yao : Yes, but I do not know who is who. But all of my classmates kept "Nix". Then I said, "Well, I'll be over," Rockets. " - then you already know that it will play centering? Ever thought about the speech at another position? Yao : I thought. Actually, before I was seriously engaged in basketball water polo. - Have you ever dreamed to be a defender, faster player, more effective with the ball in his hands? Olajuwon (Sampson) : Your turn to answer (laughs) . - We know that you asked for it almost for 30 years. Sampson : For days on end. Yao : I do not think about it seriously. But, of course, at times more like to do something different than the usual job. Sometimes this may seem tedious task. But I liked to be the biggest, the dominant player on the floor. There you no one is the boss, everything is in your hands. Sampson : I just wanted to play. I liked that we Hakim interchangeable elements. Both of us could operate successfully at the bottom. Also we are well able to run, jump, attack from outside the area, block shots . We were among the rare giant station wagons. remember how Hakim often intercepted the ball raced to the ring and beat someone else from above through the startled counterparts. Olajuwon : It is worth noting that we played extremely organized and disciplined. If someone ventured to disobey coach was almost certainly doomed lion's share of work without the ball. Yao : Once in my youth I imagined himself as a defender and took up the function of a point guard. In the first half I made ​​seven losses. then and said, 'No, man, it's not yours. Stop this nonsense. " - Experiencing a young center additional pressure due to the size? After all, for them it is very closely watched. Olajuwon : It's difficult to overcome. Fetch the ball, pick up is blocked. Earn additional opportunities for the team to attack. Playing pivot easily, I believe. Yao : I'll give you an example from the experience of playing against Howard. When you play against him personally, have the feeling that for a second you can not move away. But many ignore this feeling. And Dwight can help your squad due to size and defensive skills. Uncommon "kids" opponent hesitant to go under the ring when there is Superman. But this statistic will not tell you. Olajuwon : Bull's-eye. past performance is not measured pivot bare figures. So you can throw out all these calculations in the trash. Sampson : I agree. Quite impossible all the documentary record. - you will be especially pleased if the "Rockets" will succeed thanks to the organization that is built around an elite centering? Yao : For me, it would be akin to continue the family tradition. My parents, too, for. important for me to be respected, not only you guys, but also parents. I am proud to be pivot. - Would you say that among the three best center in the family? Yao : Actually, my wife - also central. Sampson : Well, at least you enter the four (laughs) ? Olajuwon : In order to fully understand the significance of the pivot, just look at the clubs and their performances in recent years. Those with cool "big" always go to the leaders. And now, "Houston" is sure to be among the best: they have a real chance win the title. And today I would just like to welcome Howard as a player, "Rockets." This guy will create its own legacy here, and I tell him: "Welcome, Dwight." Sampson : It's great to be here. After a little while we Hakim no see. But now we again got together to continue to make history of our club. This is a special day and we are pleased to welcome a new member of our family. Olajuwon : I'm proud of the team, because he continues to rely on the most important position in the game. Or am I wrong No, that's right: this is the most important role in basketball.