"Rockets center Yao Ming can't know whether he will play again, but he is certain he's not ready for his career to be over yet.

Facing the possibility that his inability to play without injury would end his career or prompt him to choose to retire, Yao said for the first time since his injury he hopes to come back from the stress fracture that ended his season in November.

"I'll try continuing," Yao said Thursday. "A lot will depend on this foot."

Asked if he believes he will play again, he said, "That's the direction."

In the final season of his contract, Yao added he hopes to be back with the Rockets.

"I like it here. I'm used to playing here," he said. "I'm comfortable, really, really comfortable to play here, and I have my family here. I'm not really planning to leave."

Told of Yao's comments, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey would not discuss the team's plans, but he was as clear about his preference."