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Ask The Rockets - February 28, 2003

Have anything you'd like to know about a Rockets player, the Rockets organization or just basketball in general? Then send us a question. We'll randomly select a few of your questions and post our answers here at rockets.com each week. If you send us a question we can't answer, we'll go directly to the source (i.e. Rockets player, coach, front office member) to get all the facts. Here are this week's selected questions and answers:


Q: Did Steve Francis wear the number 23 while playing for the Rockets? If so why did he change his number to 3?
Terry

A: As did many young stars currently in the NBA, Steve grew up in Washington D.C. watching Michael Jordan. While starring at the University of Maryland, Francis did wear No. 23 in honor of Jordan. However, when he was acquired by the Rockets, Steve could not wear No. 23 because it was hanging in the rafters of Compaq Center. Rockets Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy sported the No. 23 Rockets jersey during his prolific career, which culminated with his jersey retirement in 1984. Calvin's retired jersey will be moved when the Rockets move into their new arena in October 2003. Francis, who ended up settling for No. 3, hopes to have his jersey hanging alongside Murphy’s one day.



Q; Who is the oldest player on the Rockets?
Derese

A: Glen Rice, at 35 years of age, is the senior member of the Rockets. The oldest Rockets player ever is "The Legend" Charles Jones, who was 41 when he suited up for Houston during the 1997-98 season.

Q: What was the Rockets highest scoring game ever?
Fred - Sugar Land, TX

A: The Rockets highest scoring game was a 156-133 blowout victory over the Denver Nuggets on January 10, 1991. The Rockets also set other club records in this particular contest for most points in a half (94 in the second half) and most points in a quarter (50 in the fourth).

Q: What is the most assists Cuttino Mobley ever had in one game?
No name

A: Cuttino’s career high in the assist category is 11, which he has accomplished on two different occasions, most recently on Mar. 15, 2001 against New Jersey.

Q: Hi! What's the shoe size of Yao Ming? Is it bigger than Shaq's? What are the shoes he's wearing? Go Rockets!
Ignora

A: Yao Ming wears a size 18 shoe. Yao has a shoe deal with Nike, so his game shoes are a pair of Nike Shox with No. 11 on them. However, Yao’s shoes are not bigger than Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal, who lumbers around the court in a size 22.