[The first five questions were submitted by fans through NBA.com/china.]

What is the happiest and worst moment you have experienced during your NBA career?
Yao: "My worst moment was my fourth game in the NBA in which I didn't score any points. That was even worse than my first game. My best moment was the first time I started an NBA game."

Yao credits Steve Francis for providing air-traffic control in Houston. Jesse Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images

You performed great against Shaquille O'Neal in the game before the All-Star Weekend. Are there any secrets? Does that mean you improved a lot in the past year or is there another reason?
Yao: "I think the reason was that I was more aggressive in the game. I think I have improved a lot over the past year."

Can China's national team (finish) top eight in the coming Olympics?
Yao: "I think we have a chance, but it will be difficult."

What are your wishes for this year? The Rockets improved on defense, but the offense is not as spectacular as last season. With the departure of good scorers like (James) Posey and (Eddie) Griffin, will this affect the Rockets' (chances of) making it to the Playoffs?
Yao: "I hope I can have a nice vacation! I don't think that will affect us -- in the playoffs defense is more important than offense."

What do you want to say to the Chinese fans at this moment?
Yao: "Keep watching Chinese players!"

On the Chinese National Team, we already have three centers who have played (or are) playing in the NBA. However, the guard play is not so good and it is the weakest link for Chinese basketball. What's your opinion? Why do we lack great guards and how do we improve in this regard?
(Xiaoyong, Bellevue, Wash.)
Yao: "I don't think that the guards in China have enough experience in big international games. The big guys have played in many important games and know what it's like. Our guards need to be exposed to more of that high level of competition."

How is it playing with such a great player like Steve Francis? How has he helped you become a better basketball player? Who is your closest friend on the team? Keep up the hard work and dedication to make the Rockets a better team.
(Lukas, Oshkosh, Wis.)
Yao: "Steve always gives me a smooth runway on which to land. He makes things easier. I'm friends with many of the guys. I can't pick out one person whom I would say is my closest friend."

Hey Yao! You're one of the biggest things to hit the NBA (rhetorically and literally) and your stardom came so quick. How does it feel to be such an icon in not only North America but especially in China?
(Grant, Smithville, Ontario, Canada)
Yao: "Sometimes it's tiring. But it's also a lot of fun."

Have you learned more about the game since acquiring Patrick Ewing on your team? Do you feel you are getting better as a player and as a teammate because of your new coach?
(Chris, San Diego)
Yao: "He teaches me how to deal with all the different situations you run into on the court as a center, and how to respond to those situations. He has definitely helped my development as a player."