1. Yi vs Yao

The 2007 NBA China Games rocked the Eastern Hemisphere, as fans filled the stands to get a glimpse of some of the NBA's finest. Now with all NBA teams back in the states, fans in China remain at the edge of their seat in anticipation of Friday's Rockets vs Bucks matchup in Houston. Two members of the Chinese National Team, Bucks rookie, Yi Jianlian and Rockets' six-year vet, Yao Ming will become adversaries for the very first time. A five time All-Star, Yao is a proven vet while Yi, the 2007 No. 6 pick is just beginning to experience the trials and tribulations of a first year pro. International and local media, including three national television stations that will broadcast the game to 250 million people in China, will cover and watch Yao's and Yi's every move.

2. Three Amigos

While the Dream Team wore the bronze in the 2004 Athens games, the Argentine National Team stood proudly on the tallest podium. Key players Luis Scola, Manu Ginobili and Fabricio Oberto hoped to reunite as teammates in the NBA. With Ginobili and Oberto already playing for the Spurs, the San Antonio players seemed hopeful that their team's 2002 draft pick in Scola would join the team. But in the summer of 2007 the Argentinean star received notice of a trade that sent him to Houston for his rookie season. While the former teammates sported different uniforms, for the first time in the NBA on Tuesday night in Houston the three amigos took the floor.

3. More Manu

The general population appears miniature next to 7-6 Yao Ming. But in the fourth quarter of the Rockets vs Spurs game Tuesday night, San Antonio's Manu Ginobili looked larger than life as he flew above Houston's center, dunking the ball after gaining possession by intercepting a pass. Despite Ginobili's stellar display of athleticism, Houston handed San Antonio their first loss of the season with a final score of 89-81. Coming off the bench for San Antonio, Manu Ginobili is averaging 29.8 minutes. Ginobili remains one of his team's most dangerous weapons. In San Antonio's five matchups, the Argentinean ball player has been the team's top scorer in three games, including Thursday night's battle with the veteran Miami Heat team. Scoring 25 points and seven rebounds, Miami failed to contain the sixth man of the night in the Heat's disappointing 88-78 loss. Coach Pat Riley spoke of the guard's impact on the game to the AP, "Ginobili is a handful,'' Riley said." He's unpredictable. It's hard to defend him.''

4. Peja's 10 Threes

Tuesday night the New Orleans Hornets succeeded in re-writing the Hornets' record books. Hitting a franchise-best 10 treys, the Serbian native, Peja Stojakovic shot 10-13 from three-point land and launching ahead of David Wesley who scored eight threes in 2002. Scoring the game high 36 points, Stojakovic guided his team to 118-104 victory over the Lakers at the Staples Center. Experiencing a slight déjà vu, the Hornets are on a 4-0 run, tying the franchise's best start which they set last season. Also noteworthy from that game: Hornets point guard Chris Paul set a team record Tuesday with 21 assists, shattering Muggsy Bogues' record of 19 dishes in 1989.

5. Al Horford

Hawk's coach Mike Woodson displayed confidence in his No. 3 pick, starting the young Al Horford at center in the team's first four games. The winner of two NCAA championships has applied his recipe for success to the NBA, dominating the boards and getting to the basket. On Wednesday the Hawks faced the fast paced, offensive-minded Suns. Playing against his childhood hero, Grant Hill, the Dominican Republic native showed no signs of feeling intimated, nearly earning a double-double with eight points and the game-high 15 rebounds. Possibly foreshadowing a promising season for the young Hawks, Atlanta defeated Phoenix 105-96. Two time MVP Steve Nash, who had the game-high 34 points explained to the AP, "We ran into a team that's more athletic than we are,'' Nash said.

6. Darko Milicic

The 2003 draft class brought tremendous talent into the league. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh all heard their names called in the Madison Square Garden Theatre in 2003. Chosen ahead of all except for James, Memphis' Darko Milicic (drafted by Detroit) has not come into his own yet. But this could be the 22-year-old's year to prove his worth. Currently coached by Marc Iavaroni, who is known for nuturing big men and international talent, Milicic had an eye opening performance on Thursday in Memphis' 105-98 win over Seattle. The 7-0 center-forward had a double double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. This poses the question: will Darko's fifth year be his finest?

7. International NBA Players Map

Want to know where every international player is from? Check out NBA.com's Map and find out.

8. Hedo Turkoglu

Orlando is clicking on all cylinders, starting the season 4-1. While Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard are proving to be a powerful combination, eight-year vet Hedo Turkoglu is playing some of the basketball of his career. Averaging 20.8 points, he is nearly doubling his career average of 10.6. Plagued by a tender ankle in Wednesday night's game against the Raptors, Turkoglu demonstrated toughness playing through pain in his 45 minutes on the floor. Despite his nagging injury, Turkoglu tied Rashard Lewis for the team-high 24 points and had the game-high as well as a career-high 15 rebounds. His contributions helped the Magic to a 105-96 victory.

9.Tony Parker

Honored this summer by the French President with the Legion of Honor award, Tony Parker's admirers are world wide and for good reason. The three time NBA champ is a phenomenal scorer and an unselfish passer. Getting his team off on the right foot, Parker is averaging 19.0 points and 5.2 assists in the Spurs' early 4-1 season. Against Miami Wednesday night, everyone's favorite Frenchman had 23 points, to accompany teammate Manu Ginobili's 25, and the game high eight assists. The 2007 Finals MVP is looking sharp and playing hard as his team will be fighting to defend their title.

10. Scouting in Africa

As the NBA continues to host international talent, young athletes outside of the U.S. can nearly taste the dream. Marketplace, a radio program on NPR, featured a story on Sam Ahmedu. Passionate about the sport of basketball, Ahmedu scouts Africa for talent for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. A coach as well, Ahmedu founded the Warriors Basketball Academy, a playground for athletes looking to hone their skills, beat the odds and rise up to the next level. While only one dreamer has made it to the NBA, other students have said good-bye to their homeland and moved on to high school or college in the states or professional ball in Europe. Ahmedu uses the sport of basketball to provide today's youth with a promising future. He explained to Marketplace reporter Jon Miller, "We have taken people that had lost hope in life, drug addicts, we have brought them to the basketball court, they are now looking after themselves and their own family. They may not play in the NBA, but they have been able to use basketball to get education in life, which is the most important thing."