《英语流行话题阅读:语境识词3500》Unit59:我从他们身上获益匪浅

　　Unit 59

What I Learn from Them

When I was a child, my father (having no son) decided 1 he would instill a love of sport in both of his daughters. While my sister leans more towards football, a love of basketball took root in my own heart and flowered.

I can remember the great days of Clyde Drexler leading the team of defenders 2. The smiling face of a rookie, Sam Cassell, whose deep love of the game caused him to grin and laugh after taking a three-point shot that made everyone jump to their feet and gasp 3 in anxiety before the whole crowd would explode into sounds of joy as the ball made a soft "swish" through the hoop 4. And of course, the big man.

There are times when we wake up that we are haunted by a dream we cannot remember... yet there was a Dream all of Houston experienced together that no one could ever forget. Hakeem Olajuwon came to us from Nigeria as a very shy freshman 5 who would make a name for himself at the University of Houston, where the days of Phi Slama Jama will never be forgotten. He would quickly endear himself to the City of Houston, where those of us who watched his career on the court also saw him grow into his position as center, watched his skills develop and also, the baptism by fire of a great leader, who through his humbleness 6 and grace would lead a brave young team to world championships.

Olajuwon's humbleness, despite his obvious fame, lead him to keep quiet when the Houston Rockets franchise 7 printed his first jersey 8 with the name, "Akeem," using his first name instead of his last and misspelling it as well.

Another man would come to Houston, bigger than the last, but just as great in spirit. Yao Ming comes from Shanghai, China, a world as distant to most Houstonians as the other side of the moon. However, what Yao Ming is teaching us is a lesson that the NBA and all who watch it should learn.

We live in the age where rookies with even the slightest amount of talent thump 9 their chests and cry out loudly for attention. Sadly, the game of basketball has turned into a game with players who worked together as a team to a group of players lead by one man. They are eager to promote themselves over their teams, but Yao Ming is changing all that.

Yao gets off the bench to hand his teammates towels to wipe the sweat out of their eyes. You will rarely see him celebrate some achievement he has accomplished 10, but he will be the first one to high-five one of his teammates, or pat them on the back whether or not they make the shot.

Yao Ming is an exciting player to watch, but he's also an ambassador to his country. He brings his customs of honor and unity 11 to our nation, and I am thankful we have him.

There are many wonderful aspects of the Chinese culture to be shared here in the United States. One only has to watch the Rockets play to see the best of China in this talented young man.