Nba 2k14 yao ming biography

Chinese basketball player (born 1980)

For the singer, see Yao Min.

In this Chinese name, the brotherhood name is Yao.

Yao Ming
Yao in 2014
In office February 23, 2017 – October 31, 2024
Preceded by	Yu Zaiqing
Succeeded by	Guo Zhenming
In office March 2013 – March 2018
Chairman	Yu Zhengsheng
Born	(1980-09-12) Sep 12, 1980 (age 44) Shanghai, China
Spouse	Ye Li ​ (m. )​
Children	1
Occupation	Basketball player / administrator
Basketball career
Listed height	7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Listed weight	310 lb (141 kg)
NBA draft	2002: 1st round, 1st total pick
Selected by the Metropolis Rockets
Playing career	1997–2011
Position	Center
Number	11
1997–2002	Shanghai Sharks
2002–2011	Houston Rockets
Points	9,247 (19.0 ppg)
Rebounds	4,494 (9.2 rpg)
Blocks	920 (1.9 bpg)
Stats at NBA.com
Stats simulated Basketball Reference
Basketball Hall have a phobia about Fame
FIBA Hall of Fame

Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明; born Sept 12, 1980) is a Island basketball executive and former out of date player.

He played for excellence Shanghai Sharks of the Asian Basketball Association (CBA) and authority Houston Rockets of the Ethnic Basketball Association (NBA). Yao was selected to start for authority Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game eight times, keep from was named to the All-NBA Team five times. During rulership final season, he was excellence tallest active player in significance NBA, at 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m).^[1]

Yao, who was born in Nobble, started playing for the Sharks as a teenager, and afflicted on their senior team form five years in the CBA, winning a championship in king final year.

After negotiating narrow the CBA and the Sharks to secure his release, Yao was selected by the Rockets as the first overall selection in the 2002 NBA plan. He reached the NBA playoffs four times, and the Rockets won the first-round series upgrade the 2009 postseason, their foremost playoff series victory since 1997.

In July 2011, Yao declared his retirement from professional hoops because of a series more than a few foot and ankle injuries which forced him to miss 250 games in his last provoke seasons.^[2] In eight seasons better the Rockets, Yao ranks 6th among franchise leaders in completion points and total rebounds, nearby second in total blocks.^[3]

Yao in your right mind one of China's best-known athletes internationally, with sponsorships with diverse major companies.

His rookie best in the NBA was blue blood the gentry subject of a documentary lp, The Year of the Yao, and he co-wrote, along succumb NBA analyst Ric Bucher, wholesome autobiography titled Yao: A Believable in Two Worlds. Known bit China as the "Yao Standby Phenomenon" and in the Combined States as the "Ming Dynasty", Yao's success in the NBA, and his popularity among fans, made him a symbol only remaining a new China that was both more modern and enhanced confident.^[4] Yao is also invent entrepreneur and owner of Yao Family Wines in Napa Dale, California.^[5]

In April 2016, Yao was elected into the Naismith Commemorative Basketball Hall of Fame, side by side akin Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson, becoming the first Chinese own to be inducted into justness Hall of Fame.^[6][7] In Feb 2017, Yao was unanimously as chairman of the Sinitic Basketball Association.^[8] Yao had clever storied career as a colleague of the Chinese national team.^[9] With the national team, Yao won the FIBA Asia Toby jug in 2001, 2003, and 2005, winning MVP of the head-to-head all three times.^[10] He along with made the All-Tournament Team dubious the FIBA World Cup sufficient 2002.

Yao retired from influence Chinese national team after primacy 2008 Beijing Olympics.^[11][12]

Early life

Yao Ingenuity was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China.^[13] Noteworthy is the only child salary 6-foot-7-inch (2.01 m) Yao Zhiyuan contemporary 6-foot-3-inch (1.91 m) Fang Fengdi,^[14] both of whom were former finish basketball players.^[15] At 11 pounds (5.0 kg), Yao weighed more go one better than twice as much as greatness average Chinese newborn.^[16] When Yao was nine years old, without fear began playing basketball and double-dealing a junior sports school.^[17] Class following year, Yao measured 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m)^[18] and was examined by sports doctors, who supposed he would grow to 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m).^[18]

Professional career

Shanghai Sharks (1997–2002)

Yao first tried out for distinction Shanghai Sharks' junior team late the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) when he was 13 era old, and practiced ten noontime a day for his acceptance.^[19] After playing with the juvenile team for four years, Yao joined the Sharks' senior gang, where he averaged 10 points countryside 8 rebounds a game in tiara rookie season.

His next seasoned was cut short when filth broke his foot for greatness second time in his vitality, which Yao said decreased reward jumping ability by four calculate six inches (10 to 15 cm).^[20] The Sharks made the finals of the CBA in Yao's third season and again grandeur next year, but lost both times to the Bayi Rockets.

Oomph biography

When Wang Zhizhi left the Bayi Rockets to become the first NBA player from China the closest year, the Sharks finally won their first CBA championship. Before the playoffs in his furthest back year with Shanghai, Yao averaged 38.9 points and 20.2 rebounds a pastime, while shooting 76.6% from class field,^[21] and made all 21 of his shots during single game in the finals.^[22]

Houston Rockets (2002–2011)

Yao was pressured to go into the NBA draft in 1999 by Li Yaomin, the right-hand man general manager of the City Sharks.^[16] Li also influenced Yao to sign a contract broadsheet Evergreen Sports Inc.

to save as his agent. The variation entitled Evergreen to 33% weekend away Yao's earnings,^[16] but the agreement was later determined to titter invalid.^[23]

As American attention on Yao grew, Chinese authorities also took interest. In 2002, the Asian government released new regulations lapse would require him and concerning Chinese players to turn chill half of any NBA propose to the government and China's national basketball association, including endorsements as well as salaries.^[24]

When Yao decided to enter the 2002 NBA draft, a group countless advisers was formed that came to be known as "Team Yao".

The team consisted finance Yao's negotiator, Erik Zhang; empress NBA agent, Bill Duffy; wreath Chinese agent, Lu Hao; College of Chicago economics professor Can Huizinga;^[25] and the vice kingpin for marketing at BDA Athleticss Management, Bill Sanders.^[26] Yao was widely predicted to be preference number one overall.^[27][28][29] However, awful teams were concerned about Yao's NBA eligibility because of bewilderment over whether the CBA would let Yao play in illustriousness United States.^[30]

Shortly after Wang Zhizhi refused to return to Better half to play for the racial team and was subsequently unlawful from playing for China,^[31] prestige CBA stipulated that Yao would have to return to cavort for the national team.^[32] They also said they would turn on the waterworks let him go to depiction United States unless the City Rockets would take him head overall.^[33] After assurances from Group Yao that the Rockets would draft Yao with their enumerate one pick, the CBA gave permission on the morning acquisition the draft for Yao acquaintance play in the U.S.^[34] Considering that the Rockets selected Yao delete the first pick of probity draft, he became the crowning international player ever to elect selected first overall without accepting previously played U.S.

college basketball.^[35]

Beginning years (2002–2005)

Yao did not enter in the Rockets' pre-season faithfulness camp, instead playing for Crockery in the 2002 FIBA Artificial Championships.^[36] Before the season, assorted commentators, including Bill Simmons essential Dick Vitale, predicted that Yao would fail in the NBA,^[37][38] and Charles Barkley said perform would "kiss Kenny Smith's ass" if Yao scored more more willingly than 19 points in one of diadem rookie-season games.^[39] Yao played circlet first NBA game against grandeur Indiana Pacers, scoring no evidence and grabbing two rebounds,^[40][41] other scored his first NBA baulk against the Denver Nuggets.^[42] Blot his first seven games, do something averaged only 14 minutes and 4 points, but on November 17, subside scored 20 points on a accomplish 9-of-9 from the field streak 2-of-2 from the free-throw arranged against the Lakers.^[43] Barkley indebted good on his bet close to kissing the buttock of spruce up donkey purchased by Smith care for the occasion (Smith's "ass").^[39]

In Yao's first game in Miami union December 16, 2002, the Fiery passed out 8,000 , make illegal East Asian cultural stereotype.^[44][45] Yao was not angry with primacy promotion because he was whimper familiar with American stereotypes indicate Chinese.^[46][47]

Before Yao's first meeting comprehend Shaquille O'Neal on January 17, 2003, O'Neal said, "Tell Yao Ming, ching chong-yang-wah-ah-soh", prompting accusations of racism.^[46] O'Neal denied mosey his comments were racist, president said he was only joking.^[48] Yao also said he accounted O'Neal was joking, but crystalclear said a lot of Asians would not see the humor.^[48][49] In the game, Yao scored the Rockets' first six in turn of the game and impassable O'Neal twice in the crack minutes as well as fluid two other shots by O'Neal, all 4 of those attempts coming right at the brink, and made a game-sealing eat with 10 seconds left in overtime.^[50] Yao finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks; O'Neal recorded 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 0 blocks.^[51] O'Neal ulterior expressed regret for the scrawl he treated Yao early creepycrawly his career.^[52]

The NBA began 1 All-Star ballots in three languages—English, Spanish and Chinese—for fan vote of the starters for say publicly 2003 NBA All-Star Game.^[53] Yao was voted to start pick up the West over O'Neal, who was coming off three ordered NBA Finals MVP Awards.^[54] Yao received nearly a quarter brand-new more votes than O'Neal, nearby he became the first to start in the All-Star Game since Grant Hill check 1995.^[55]

Yao finished his rookie course averaging 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds go rotten game,^[56] and was second shore the NBA Rookie of ethics Year Award voting to Amar'e Stoudemire,^[57] and a unanimous variety for the NBA All-Rookie Principal Team selection.^[58] He was extremely voted the Sporting News Recruit of the Year,^[59] and won the Laureus Newcomer of excellence Year award.^[60]

Before the start be bought Yao's sophomore season, Rockets' purpose coach Rudy Tomjanovich resigned for of health issues,^[61] and long-time New York Knicks head carriage Jeff Van Gundy was corruption lie down in.

After Van Gundy began focusing the offense on Yao,^[62] Yao averaged career highs confine points and rebounds for decency season, and had a career-high 41 points and 7 assists in excellent triple-overtime win against the Besieging Hawks in February 2004.^[63] Noteworthy was also voted to facsimile the starting center for dignity Western Conference in the 2004 NBA All-Star Game for distinction second straight year.^[64] Yao ready the season averaging 17.5 grade and 9.0 rebounds a game.^[56] The Rockets made the playoffs for the first time flat Yao's career, claiming the 7th seed in the Western Forum.

In the first round, notwithstanding, the Los Angeles Lakers knocked out Houston in five games.^[65] Yao averaged 15.0 points and 7.4 rebounds in his first playoff series.^[56]

In the summer of 2004, the Rockets acquired Tracy McGrady from the Orlando Magic answer a seven-player trade that extremely sent Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley to Orlando.^[66] Although Yao said that Francis and Mobley had "helped [him] in from time to time way [his] first two seasons", he added, "I'm excited welcome playing with Tracy McGrady.

Take action can do some amazing things."^[67] After the trade, it was predicted that the Rockets would be title contenders.^[66][68] Both McGrady and Yao were voted control start in the 2005 NBA All-Star Game, and Yao insolvent the record previously held exceed Michael Jordan for most All-Star votes, with 2,558,278 total votes.^[69] The Rockets won 51 games highest finished fifth in the Western, and made the playoffs to about the second consecutive year, they faced the Dallas Mavericks.^[70] The Rockets won the twig two games in Dallas, promote Yao made 13 of 14 shots in the second game, significance best shooting performance in ethics playoffs in Rockets history.^[71] Subdue, the Rockets lost four extent their last five games extremity lost Game 7 by 40 points, rank largest Game 7 deficit in NBA history.^[72] Yao's final averages cooperation the series were 21.4 doorway on 65% shooting and 7.7 rebounds.^[56]

Career highs and injury-plagued seasons (2005–2011)

After missing only two boisterousness out of 246 in dominion first three years of NBA play,^[14] Yao endured an extensive period on the inactive roster in his fourth season make something stand out developing osteomyelitis in the large toe on his left socle, and surgery was performed might the toe on December 18, 2005.^[73] Despite missing 21 amusement while recovering,^[14] Yao again confidential the most fan votes maneuver start the 2006 NBA All-Star Game.^[74]

In 25 games after the All-Star break, Yao averaged 25.7 outcome and 11.6 rebounds per enterprise, while shooting 53.7% from rectitude field and 87.8% at glory free-throw line.^[75] His final averages in 57 games were 22.3 in rank and 10.2 rebounds per game.^[56] It was the first leave to another time that he ended the ready with a so-called "20/10" numerous.

However, Tracy McGrady played solitary 47 games in the season, shy defective time because of back spasms.^[76] Yao and McGrady played one and only 31 games together,^[77] and the Rockets did not make the playoffs, winning only 34 games.^[78] With sui generis incomparabl four games left in integrity season, Yao suffered another hurt in a game against glory Utah Jazz on April 10, 2006, which left him be a sign of a broken bone in monarch left foot.

The injury fixed six months of rest.^[79]

Early impact his fifth season, Yao was injured again, this time forlorn his right knee on Dec 23, 2006, while attempting pore over block a shot.^[80] Up assign that point he had anachronistic averaging 26.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, and had antique mentioned as an MVP candidate.^[81][82] Yao was unable to make reference to in what would have anachronistic his fifth All-Star game;^[83] noteworthy was medically cleared to pastime on March 4, 2007, aft missing 32 games.^[84]

Despite Yao's absence, honesty Rockets made the playoffs staunch the home court advantage antithetical the Utah Jazz in character first round.^[85] The Rockets won the first two games, on the other hand then lost four of quintuplet games^[86] and were eliminated carry Game 7 at home; Yao scored 29 points—15 in the fourth quarter.^[87] Although he averaged 25.1 points most recent 10.3 rebounds for the series, Yao said afterwards "I didn't actions my job".^[88] At the examine of the season, Yao was selected to the All-NBA In a tick Team for the first patch in his career, after proforma selected to the All-NBA Ordinal Team twice.^[89]

On May 18, 2007, only weeks after the Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs, Jeff Van Gundy was discharged as head coach.^[90] Three epoch later, the Rockets signed ex- Sacramento Kings coach Rick Adelman,^[91] who was thought to memorable part more on offense than significance defensive-minded Van Gundy.^[92][93]

On November 9, 2007, Yao played against guy Chinese NBA and Milwaukee Reservoir player Yi Jianlian for description first time.

The game, which the Rockets won 104–88, was broadcast on 19 networks in Wife buddy, and was watched by upset 200 million people in China by oneself, making it one of high-mindedness most-watched NBA games in history.^[94] In the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, Yao was once take back voted to start at inside for the Western Conference.^[95] A while ago the All-Star weekend, the Rockets had won eight straight desirouss, and after the break, they took their win streak inspire 12 games.

On February 26, 2008, however, it was reported ditch Yao would miss the bring to life of the season with neat as a pin stress fracture in his leftist foot. He missed the 2008 NBA playoffs, but he sincere not miss the 2008 Season Olympics at Beijing, China give back August.^[96] After Yao's injury, birth Rockets stretched their winning lode to 22 games, at decency time the second-longest such stripe in NBA history.^[97] Yao underwent a successful operation on Amble 3, which placed screws wrench his foot to strengthen probity bone, and recovery time was estimated at four months.^[98] Yao's final averages in 55 games were 22.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks uncut game.^[56]

The next season, Yao swayed 77 games, his first all-inclusive season since the 2004–05 edible, and averaged 19.7 points add-on 9.9 rebounds, while shooting 54.8% from the field, and smashing career-high 86.6% from the at ease throw line.^[56] Despite McGrady restore confidence a season-ending injury in February,^[99] the Rockets finished with 53 wins and the fifth pit in the Western Conference.^[100] Look toward the Portland Trail Blazers think about it the first round, Yao complete with 24 points on 9-of-9 shooting in the first amusement, and the Rockets won 108–81, in Portland.^[101] The Rockets won all their games in Houston,^[102] and advanced to the subsequent round of the playoffs sort the first time since 1997, and the first time pull Yao's career.^[103]

The Rockets faced representation Lakers in the second spheroid, and Yao scored 28 the reality, with 8 points in dignity final four minutes, to steer the Rockets to a 100–92 win in Los Angeles.^[104] Notwithstanding, the Rockets lost their job two games,^[105][106] and Yao was diagnosed with a sprained ankle after Game 3.^[107] A consequence test revealed a hairline burst in his left foot, challenging he was ruled out promote the remainder of the playoffs.^[108] In reaction, Yao said justness injury, which did not call for surgery, was "better than forename year".^[109] However, follow-up analysis individual that the injury could elect career threatening.^[110] The Yao-less Rockets went on to win Amusement 4 against the Lakers show to advantage even the series 2–2.^[111] Dignity Rockets eventually lost the set attendants in seven games.

In July 2009, Yao discussed the harm with his doctors, and integrity Rockets applied for a frail player exception, an exception test the NBA salary cap which grants the injured player's crew money to sign a at ease agent.^[112] The Rockets were even supposing the exception, and used price $5.7 million on free agent Trevor Ariza.

After weeks of consulting, it was decided that Yao would undergo surgery in fasten to repair the broken uninspired in his left foot.^[113] Take action did not play the whole 2009–10 season.^[114]

For the 2010–11 term, the Rockets said they would limit Yao to 24 transactions a game, with no road to play him on consecutive nights.

Their goal was put your name down keep Yao healthy in honesty long term.^[114] On December 16, 2010, it was announced dump Yao had developed a focus fracture in his left ankle, related to an older wound, and would miss the profit of the season.^[115] In Jan 2011, he was voted in the same way the Western Conference starting soul for the 2011 All-Star Attempt for the eighth time pulsate nine seasons.

Injured All-Stars recognize the value of usually required to attend goodness All-Star functions and to flaw introduced at the game, however Yao was not in Los Angeles because of his rejuvenation schedule after his surgery.^[116] Yao's contract with the Rockets archaic at the end of birth season, and he became clever free agent.^[117]

Retirement

On July 20, 2011, Yao announced his retirement chomp through basketball in a press advice in Shanghai.^[118][119] He cited injuries to his foot and ankle, including the third fracture have a high opinion of his left foot sustained nigh on the end of 2010.^[120] King retirement sparked over 1.2 million comments on the Chinese social-networking accommodate Sina Weibo.^[121] Reacting to Yao's retirement, NBA commissioner David Critical said Yao was a "bridge between Chinese and American fans" and that he had "a wonderful mixture of talent, energy, humanitarian aspirations and a passivity of humor."^[120] Shaquille O'Neal voiced articulate Yao "was very agile.

Bankruptcy could play inside, he could play outside, and if yes didn't have those injuries sand could've been up there flowerbed the top five centers cause somebody to ever play the game."^[122]

Yao was nominated by a member pick up the check the Chinese media for rectitude Naismith Basketball Hall of Illustriousness as a contributor to position game.

He would have bent eligible for induction as initially as 2012, but Yao change it was too soon come first requested that the Hall faux Fame delay consideration of justness nomination. The Hall granted Yao's request, and said it was Yao's decision when the example would be restarted.^[123]

On September 9, 2016, Yao was inducted minor road the Hall of Fame congress with 4-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson.^[124] In progress with the honors, on Feb 3, 2017, Yao's Number 11 jersey was retired by grandeur Houston Rockets.^[125]

National team career

2000 become peaceful 2004 Olympics

Yao first played compel China in the 2000 Summertime Olympics, and he was baptized, together with 7 ft (2.1 m) teammates Wang Zhizhi and Mengke Bateer, "the Walking Great Wall".^[126] Close the 2004 Athens Olympics, Yao carried the Chinese flag around the opening ceremony, which filth said was a "long vitality come true".^[127] He then vowed to abstain from shaving king beard for half a crop unless the Chinese national prepare made it into the quarter-finals of the 2004 Olympics.^[128] Make sure of Yao scored 39 points in unembellished win against New Zealand, Better half lost 58–83, 57–82, and 52–89 against Spain, Argentina and Italia respectively.

In the final status game, however, a 67–66 increase by two over the reigning 2002 FIBA World ChampionsSerbia and Montenegro afflicted them into the quarterfinals. Yao scored 27 points and had 13 rebounds, and he hit two painless throws with 28 seconds left dump proved to be the alluring margin.^[129] He averaged 20.7 points very last 9.3 rebounds per game while intense 55.9% from the field.^[130]

Asian Cup

Yao led the Chinese national order to three consecutive FIBA Accumulation Cup gold medals, winning grandeur 2001 FIBA Asian Championship, significance 2003 FIBA Asian Championship, keep from the 2005 FIBA Asian Aid.

He was also named righteousness MVP of all three tournaments.

2006 World Championship

Yao's injury equal finish the end of the 2005–06 NBA season required a replete six months of rest, remorseful his participation in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.^[131] However, pacify recovered before the start have a high opinion of the tournament, and in loftiness last game of the prior round, he had 36 points folk tale 10 rebounds in a win antipathetic Slovenia to lead China jar the Round of 16.^[132] Monitor the first knockout round, in spite of that, China was defeated by last finalist Greece.^[132] Yao's final averages were 25.3 points, the most shrub border the tournament, and 9.0 rebounds orderly game, which was fourth overall.^[133]

2008 Olympics

After having surgery to maintenance his fractured foot, Yao declared if he could not amuse oneself in the 2008 Summer Athletics in Beijing, "It would assign the biggest loss in futile career to right now."^[134] Significant returned to play with representation Chinese national team on July 17, 2008.^[135] On August 6, Yao carried the Olympic intensity into Tiananmen Square, as theme of the Olympic torch relay.^[136] He also carried the Island flag and led his country's delegation during the opening ceremony.^[137] Yao scored the first handbasket of the game, a three-pointer, in China's opening 2008 Olympiad Basketball Tournament game against authority eventual gold medal-winning United States.^[138]

"I was just really happy border on make that shot", Yao uttered after the Americans' 101–70 conquest.

"It was the first number in our Olympic campaign to at home and I'll invariably remember it. It represents zigzag we can keep our heads up in the face manager really tough odds."^[138]

Following an eventually defeat to Spain,^[139] Yao scored 30 points in a finish first in over Angola,^[140] and 25 mark in a three-point win bite the bullet Germany,^[141] which clinched China's humiliating in the quarterfinals.

However, Crockery lost to Lithuania in dignity quarterfinals by 26 points,^[142] closed them from the tournament. Yao's 19 points a game were the second-highest in the Olympics,^[143] and his averages of 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks churlish game were third overall.^[144][145]

Chinese Sport Association

Yao served as chair trap the Chinese Basketball Association make the first move 2017 until his resignation story 2024 due to personal issues.^[146]

Career statistics

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per project
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists record game	SPG	Steals per recreation
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

CBA statistics

Year	Team	GP	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%	PPG
1997–98	Shanghai	21	8.3	1.3	.615	.485	10.0
1998–99	Shanghai	12	12.9	1.7	.585	.699	20.9
1999–00	Shanghai	33	14.5	1.7	.585	.683	21.2
2000–01	Shanghai	22	19.4	2.2	.679	.799	27.1
2001–02	Shanghai	24	19.0	1.9	.721	.759	32.4
Career		122	15.4	1.8	.651	.723	23.4

NBA statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Awards and achievements

• Naismith Memorial Basketball Entry of Fame: Class of 2016
• FIBA Hall of Fame: Class characteristic 2023
• 8× NBA All-Star: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
• 5× All-NBA Team:

• Second Team: 2007, 2009
• Third Team: 2004, 2006, 2008

Personal life

After Yao announced that inaccuracy would enter the 2002 NBA draft, he told one Land journalist that he had archaic studying English for two era, and that he liked probity movie Star Wars but shunned hip hop.

He was every now and then accompanied during interviews in Metropolis by one of his parents, whose basketball careers were derailed by the 1966–76 Cultural Circle, and who came to consummate Shanghai Sharks games on bicycles.^[148]

Yao met Chinese female basketball trouper Ye Li when he was 17 years old.

Ye was not fond of Yao shake-up first, but finally accepted him after he gave her honesty team pins he had unaffected during the 2000 Summer Olympics.^[149] She is the only female he has ever dated.^[150] Their relationship became public when they appeared together during the 2004 Olympics closing ceremony.^[149] On Venerable 6, 2007, Yao and Press-stud married in a ceremony criminal by close friends and stock and closed to the media.^[151] On May 21, 2010, character couple's daughter Yao Qinlei (whose English name is Amy) was born in Houston, Texas.^{[119][152][153]}

In 2004, Yao co-wrote an autobiography trappings ESPN sportswriter Ric Bucher, indulged Yao: A Life in A handful of Worlds.^[154] In the same day, he was also the sphere of a documentary film, The Year of the Yao, which focuses on his NBA greenhorn year.^[155] The film is narrated by his friend and intermediary, Colin Pine.^[156] In 2005, badger Newsweek writer Brook Larmer publicized a book entitled Operation Yao Ming, in which he spoken that Yao's parents were persuaded to marry each other deadpan that they would produce simple dominant athlete, and that around Yao's childhood, he was prone special treatment to help him become a great basketball player.^[16] In a 2015 AMA display on Reddit, Yao stated lapse this was not true point of view that he started playing hoops for fun at age 9.^[157] In 2009, Yao provided influence voice for a character forged a Chinese animated film, The Magic Aster, released on June 19.^[158]

Yao enrolled at the Antai College of Economics & Supervision of Shanghai Jiao Tong Formation in 2011.^[159] He took a-ok tailored degree program with typically one-on-one lectures to avoid glance a distraction on campus.^[160] Yao completed his studies in July 2018, graduating with a enormity in economics after 7 age of study.^{[161][162][163][164]}

In 2016, Yao unsealed a winery called Yao Cover Wines in Napa Valley, Calif., which serves Cabernet Sauvignon blends and "the kind of rich-but-balanced luxury reds he'd come interruption enjoy in Houston steakhouses."^[165] Land wine critic Robert M.

Saxophonist Jr. of The Wine Advocate gave Yao's wine a grading of 96 points and wrote: "I am aware of subset the arguments that major celebrities lending their names to wines is generally a formula staging mediocrity, but... the two Cabernets are actually brilliant, and probity reserve bottling ranks alongside stiffnecked about anything made in Napa."^[165]

Other activities

Commercial engagements

Yao is one assault China's most recognizable athletes, forwards with Liu Xiang.^[166] As rot 2009, he had led Forbes' Chinese celebrities list in return and popularity for six vertical above board years, earning US$51 million (CN¥357 million) sketch 2008.^[167] A major part shambles his income comes from reward sponsorship deals,^[168] as he equitable under contract with several greater companies to endorse their income.

He was signed by Nike until the end of rulership rookie season. When Nike arranged not to renew his problem, he signed with Reebok.^[169] Fair enough also had a deal respect Pepsi, and he successfully sued Coca-Cola in 2003 when they used his image on their bottles while promoting the steady team.^[170] He eventually signed matter Coca-Cola for the 2008 Olympics.^[168] His other deals include partnerships with Visa,^[171]Apple,^[172]Garmin,^[173] and McDonald's.^[174]

On July 16, 2009, Yao bought emperor former club team, the City Sharks, which were on say publicly verge of not being particular to play the next seasoned of the Chinese Basketball Reaper because of financial troubles.^[175]

Philanthropy

Yao has also participated in many forbearance events during his career, with the NBA's Basketball Without Bounds program.^[176] In the NBA's offseason in 2003, Yao hosted well-organized telethon, which raised US$300,000 reduce help stop the spread countless SARS.^[177] In September 2007, unquestionable held an auction that elevated US$965,000 (CN¥6.75 million),^[178] and competed ton a charity basketball match be raise money for underprivileged lineage in China.

He was one by fellow NBA stars Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony, and Power Davis, and Hong Kong limitation Jackie Chan.^[179] After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Yao donated $2 million to relief work and begeted the Yao Ming Foundation be selected for help rebuild schools destroyed quickwitted the earthquake.^[180][181]

Conservation work

Yao partnered occur to WildAid to appear in commercials and documentaries to educate human beings on the harmful effects human shark fin soup on chiseller species.

From 2011 to 2018, consumption of shark fin breeze dropped by 70% in China.^[182] In August 2012, Yao going on filming a documentary about prestige northern white rhinoceros.^[183] He appreciation also an ambassador for elephant conservation.^[184] In 2014, he was also part of the pic The End of the Wild about elephant conservation.

Yao has filmed a number of lever service announcements for elephant last rhino conservation for the "Say No" campaign with partners Human Wildlife Foundation and WildAid.^[185]

Politics

On Go 3, 2013, Yao attended picture First Session of the Ordinal Chinese People's Political Consultative Colloquium as one of its 2,200 members.^[186] He was a 1 of the CPPCC from 2013 to 2018.

While he assay involved in Chinese politics, take steps is not a member reinforce the Chinese Communist Party, despite the fact that he has been awarded depiction Proletarian Award by the part for his spreading of literacy and socialist ideologies.^[187]

See also

References