HOUSTON -- Responding from half a world away, Yao Ming says he was sorry "legendary coach'' Rudy Tomjanovich announced his resignation as the Rockets' coach last week.

Yao, who is back home in Shanghai, China, issued a statement through Team Yao marketing representative Bill Sanders on Tuesday, television station KRIV reported.

"Rudy has accomplished a great deal during his years with the Rockets, and I feel fortunate to have had the time with him during my rookie season,'' Yao said.

Yao added that he considers Tomjanovich a "mentor, a role model and a friend.''

Tomjanovich, 54, stepped down Friday, citing his fight against bladder cancer and his desire to resume a more normal lifestyle after 12 seasons as Houston's coach.