BEIJING - A severe foot injury has forced Yao Ming out of August's Worlds and November's Asian Games and the question that must be asked is who can fill the All-Star center's shoes on China's national team?

Until last week, former NBA player, Wang Zhizhi, who turns 33 next month, seemed the only answer but the stunning performance of Tang Zhengdong in the team's match against Argentina on Monday proved he has the ability to be a solid alternative.