Yao Ming - China's Tall Man

Yao Ming was born in Shanghai, China on September 12, 1980. Shanghai is prominent in education and scientific research. Yao Ming is one of the city's most heralded athletes. Yao Ming's parents were basketball players, and both were over six feet tall. Yao didn't get interested in playing basketball until he was twelve years old. Yao attended a sports academy away from home, where he concentrated more on basketball.

Yao Ming joined the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Gaining interest from some American sporting goods companies, Nike sponsored the Sharks and were very excited about the seven-foot, seventeen-year old player. Yao traveled to the United States, playing impressively with the AAU Junior Elite Team. He was named MVP when the Asian Basketball Confederation for Junior Men won the championship. The Chinese were not highly regarded as opponents against the Americans in the 2000 Olympics, but Yao's talents were recognized.

The Sharks and the Chinese government blocked Yao Ming's entry into the NBA. Yao did not enter the 2001 NBA draft because of agent rivalry. Instead, Yao joined the Chinese National Team, playing around the world. Later, the Sharks and the Chinese government again considered his release. Negotiations didn't go smoothly, but he signed with the Houston Rockets for four years at $17.8 million. Some compensation went to the Sharks, and half of his pay went to Chinese sporting agencies.

At seven feet, six inches, 310 pounds, Yao Ming has been an outstanding player in six years with the Houston Rockets. He averages 22 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.