Houston Rockets center, Yao Ming, broke his left foot on Monday night against the Utah Jazz, effectively ending his season.  This is a tough break (no pun intended) for the third year pro who was averaging 22.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting over 50% from the floor. The All-Star center had suffered a toe infection that sidelined him for 21 games earlier in the season.  Before this latest injury, Ming was showing a tenacity many critics said he was devoid of.  It was a big step in the development of a seemingly “soft” Ming, especially stepping up his game when teammate and perennial All-Star, Tracy McGrady went down to injury himself, a back injury in March that also ended his season.

Ming will have surgery this weekend, which will take about four to six months to heal.  His participation in the basketball world championship hosted in Japan to begin on August 19 is in doubt.