http://assets.espn.go.com/i/tvlistings/tv_espn_original.gif en-us 10 ESPN Inc. http://espn.go.com/ Copyright 2010 ESPN Inc. NO ONE WAS SURPRISED WHEN HOUSTON TOOK YAO MING WITH THE FIRST PICK IN THE 2002 DRAFT. BUT YAO'S ARRIVAL IN THE U.S. WAS MUCH LESS OF A SURE THING. IT TOOK SOME BACKDOOR MOVES AND BACKROOM ADVICE TO GET THE GREATEST PLAYER FROM THE FAR EAST ONTO THE COURT]]> July 10, 2012 08:41:07 PDT Contrary to media reports in China, Kobe Bryant has not yet committed to sign with the Shanxi team that recently employed Stephon Marbury, according to a source close to the situation.]]> August 18, 2011 07:49:16 PDT This weekend is all about finals. Stanley Cup finals. NBA Finals. French Open finals. And the final weekend of the Women's College World Series. Hopefully you're not too busy studying for finals. Here are the Games We're Watching.]]> June 03, 2011 07:05:13 PDT We're deep into the second week of the Australian Open, and the 16-hour time difference between Melbourne and New York is starting to wear on me. But ...]]> January 27, 2011 08:35:26 PST Unwanted by the NBA, Allen Iverson is considering playing in China.]]> September 13, 2010 07:27:54 PDT In Day 5 of Olympic men's basketball competition, the Greeks said no thanks to tanking, Chris Sheridan writes.]]> August 18, 2008 06:21:35 PDT TrueHoop reader Volker saw China play Germany in person, and writes: "Yi Jianlian (23 points) impressed me: He drew Nowitzki's third foul in the first...]]> August 20, 2007 12:47:54 PDT The NBA will soon open an office in Shanghai to strengthen its marketing position in China, where the Rockets' Yao Ming has generated great interest in the league.]]> October 31, 2003 04:46:57 PST