According to the Associated Press, Yao Ming wants the Chinese Olympics Basketball team to advance from pool play into the quarterfinals of the Olympics. China was drawn into a tough group and their top two players (Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian) are recovering from injuries.

If Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian are healthy, China will have a strong presence on the court. Yao Ming had surgery in March to repair a stress fracture in his left foot and said his rehab is on schedule. Yao Ming last played Feb. 24 and said he needs to play in “a couple” of exhibition games with the Chinese this summer before they face the US team on Aug. 10. Yi Jianlian missed the final eight games of the regular season with a sprained ligament in his left knee. Hopefully, Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian get better in time for the Olympics.

Yao Ming was hobbling at this press conference in April: