| Rising star of the National Basketball Association of the USA Country: China |
Yao Ming, towering at 7'6" ( meters) with a shoe size of 19, embarked on his basketball journey in China. He quickly rose through the ranks and made a name for himself as a dominant force in the sport.
In , Yao became the fourth Chinese player to be drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) by the Houston Rockets. His arrival marked a significant moment, bringing excitement and international attention to the league.
Despite his team's ninth-place finish in its first season with Yao, the young star proved his worth. He was named Player of the Month in the NBA twice that season, earning comparisons to legendary player Michael Jordan.
Yao's patriotism remained strong throughout his NBA career. He expressed his desire for Chinese fans to prioritize their own basketball culture, despite their admiration for the NBA.
Following a disappointing loss to South Korea in the previous Asian Championship, the Chinese national team was determined to redeem itself. Yao played a crucial role in their bid to secure a spot in the Athens Olympics, which they achieved with a second-place finish.
Yao's legacy extended beyond his impressive NBA performances. He used his platform to promote basketball and connect China with the global sports community. After his retirement from the NBA, he continued to serve as a role model and ambassador for the sport.