Background
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980 in Shanghai, China. He is the only son of Yao Zhiyuan and Fang Fengdi, who both played basketball professionally.
Yao Ming
Yao Ming in childhood
Yao Ming as a toddler
2018
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming attends the undergraduate graduation ceremony of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Photo by Zhang Hengwei/China News Service/Visual China Group.
2018
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming attends the undergraduate graduation ceremony of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Photo by Zhang Haohao/Visual China Group.
2018
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming attends the undergraduate graduation ceremony of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Photo by Zhang Haohao/Visual China Group.
China, Shanghai, Changning District, 法华镇路535号
Yao Ming studied at the Antai College of Economics & Management of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from 2011 to July 2018.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets boxes out Art Long #35 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the preseason NBA game at Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. The 76ers won 93-89. Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Keith Van Horn #4 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the preseason NBA game at Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 (center) of the Houston Rockets stands with teammates for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers as the Sixers defeat the Rockets 93-89 at the Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bill Baptist NBAE.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw during the preseason NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Troy Murphy #1 of the Golden State Warriors looks to shoot over Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets during the game at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets lays the ball up during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets leans over during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets on the bench during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets gets in between Brad Miller #52 and Bonzi Wells #42 of the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena) in Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Rafer Alston #12 talks to Yao Ming #11 and Luther Head #2 of the Houston Rockets against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena) in Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets grabs his ankle in pain as play resumes down court against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena) in Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets moves for the ball against Kenny Thomas #9 of the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena), Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets and Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reach for the opening tip during their game at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets reaches for the ball against the defense of Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets and Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers stand next to each other during their game at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets drives against Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets drives against Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
(From left to right) Sun Yue #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets pose for a photo prior to their game at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE.
2010
601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Andray Blatche #7 of the Washington Wizards drives against Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets at the Verizon Center (present-day Capital One Arena), Washington, D.C. Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE.
2010
601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Yao Ming (11) warms up prior to the start of his team's game against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center (present-day Capital One Arena) in Washington, D.C. Photo by Harry E. Walker/Tribune News Service.
2010
601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Yao Ming (11) warms up prior to the start of his team's game against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center (present-day Capital One Arena) in Washington, D.C. Photo by Harry E. Walker/Tribune News Service.
2011
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming arrives at his press conference announcing his retirement from basketball, Shanghai, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2011
Beijing, China
Yao Ming reacts during an official ceremony to mark his retirement from basketball, Beijing, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2018
Jakarta, Indonesia
Yao Ming poses for a photograph with gold medalists of China from the men's and women's competitions after the victory ceremonies during the Asian Games in Jakarta. Photo by Fred Lee.
2018
2 Lincui Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Yao Ming (center) attends the coin toss ceremony on day eight of the China Open at the China National Tennis Centre, Beijing. Photo by Visual China Group.
2018
Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, attends the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification Group A first-round match between China and South Korea in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province of China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
Shanghai, China
Chinese Basketball Association chairman Yao Ming attends Special Olympics Gala Dinner, Shanghai, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming (left), President of the Chinese Basketball Association, attends CBA & Kuaishou Partnership Press Conference, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, speaks during a press conference on the Chinese Basketball Association, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Tiyu Rd, Caidian District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Yao Ming and Li Nan (left) of the Chinese Basketball team talk during Pre-Game Training against the Brazil National Team in the International Men's Basketball Super Tournament at the Wuhan Sports Center, Wuhan, China. Photo by Wang HE.
2019
11 Tianchen E Rd, Chaoyang, China
Yao Ming holds the FIBA World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony of FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Beijing National Aquatics Center, China. Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service/VCG.
2019
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, and NBA player Jeremy Lin of the Toronto Raptors pose for a group photo with draftees during the CBA Draft, Shanghai, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
Shanghai, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming poses with Wang Shaojie (right) who was selected first overall by Beijing Beikong Fly Dragons during the CBA Draft, Shanghai, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming (left), chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, and Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services (FMMS), attend the press conference marking the 100-day countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Beijing, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Yao Ming (6th from the left) attends the press conference for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
China, Guangdong Province, Dongguan, Songshanhu Ave, 松山湖大道交汇处
CBA chairman Yao Ming, Chinese respiratory specialist Zhong Nanshan (left) and his wife Li Shaofen attend the Chinese Basketball Association League match between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Jiangsu Dragons at Dongguan Basketball Center, Guangdong Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
NBA legends Kobe Bryant (left) and Yao Ming, president of the Chinese Basketball Association, take part in a ceremony during the FIBA World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain at Beijing Wukesong Sports Arena, China. Photo by Lintao Zhang.
2019
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming attends the Children Calligraphy & Drawing FIBA Basketball World Cup & China Mini Basketball League Launch Ceremony, Beijing, China. Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service/Visual China Group.
2020
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming speaks during the CBA League Press Conference in Beijing, China. Photo by Fred Lee.
2020
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming attends the CBA League Press Conference, in Beijing, China. Photo by Fred Lee.
2020
Changchun, Jilin Province, China
Yao Ming (left), chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, attends a ceremony for the establishment of the Jilin Basketball Association in Changchun, Jilin Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming (rear, 5th from the left), his wife Ye Li (rear, 4th from the left) and head coach of the Beijing Royal Fighters Stephon Marbury (rear, 6th from the left) visit a primary school before Yao Foundation Charity Game, Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming visits a primary school before Yao Foundation Charity Game in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Yao Ming and all players with guests take photos during Yao Foundation Charity tournament in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Photo by Getty Images.
2020
Tiyu Rd, Caidian District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Yao Ming, founder of Yao Foundation, speaks during Yao Foundation Charity Game at Wuhan Sports Centre in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Photo by Zhang Chang/China News Service.
2020
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Yao Ming (center) attends the press conference for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2008
1 National Stadium S Rd, Chaoyang, China
Yao Ming of the China Olympic men's basketball team carries his country's flag to lead out the delegation accompanied by Lin Hao, a 9-year-old survivor of the Schenau earthquake, during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium, China. Photo by Cameron Spencer.
2013
Yao Ming holds his Sports Influential Man Grand Jury Prize.
2015
Yao Ming was chosen for the Magnolia Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to Chinese sport and was given it four years later. Photo by CNS/Tang Yanjun.
2015
300 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, China, 200003
Yao Ming with his Laureus Spirit of Sport award speaks onstage during the Laureus World Sports Awards show at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, China. Photo by Ian Walton.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets boxes out Art Long #35 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the preseason NBA game at Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. The 76ers won 93-89. Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Keith Van Horn #4 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the preseason NBA game at Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 (center) of the Houston Rockets stands with teammates for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers as the Sixers defeat the Rockets 93-89 at the Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bill Baptist NBAE.
2002
3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw during the preseason NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Compaq Center (present-day Lakewood Church Central Campus) in Houston, Texas. Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Troy Murphy #1 of the Golden State Warriors looks to shoot over Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets during the game at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets lays the ball up during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets leans over during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2004
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets on the bench during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets gets in between Brad Miller #52 and Bonzi Wells #42 of the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena) in Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Rafer Alston #12 talks to Yao Ming #11 and Luther Head #2 of the Houston Rockets against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena) in Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets grabs his ankle in pain as play resumes down court against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena) in Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2006
1 Sports Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95834, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets moves for the ball against Kenny Thomas #9 of the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena (present-day Sleep Train Arena), Sacramento, California. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets and Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reach for the opening tip during their game at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets reaches for the ball against the defense of Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets and Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers stand next to each other during their game at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets drives against Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets drives against Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld.
2008
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
(From left to right) Sun Yue #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets pose for a photo prior to their game at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE.
2008
1 National Stadium S Rd, Chaoyang, China
Yao Ming of the China Olympic men's basketball team carries his country's flag to lead out the delegation accompanied by Lin Hao, a 9-year-old survivor of the Schenau earthquake, during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium, China. Photo by Cameron Spencer.
2008
1 National Stadium S Rd, Chaoyang, China
Yao Ming of the China Olympic men's basketball team carries his country's flag to lead out the delegation accompanied by Lin Hao, a 9-year-old survivor of the Schenau earthquake, during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium, China. Photo by Mike Hewitt.
2010
No. 111號, Section 3, Minsheng East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Yao Ming of the Houston Rocket NBA team attends the Yao Foundation Charity Tour press conference at The Sherwood Taipei, Taiwan. Photo by Visual China Group.
2010
No. 2號, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Yao Ming of the Houston Rocket NBA team shakes hands with Chinese singer Jay Chou before a charity match for the Yao Foundation Charity Tour at the Taipei Arena Stadium, Taiwan. Photo by Visual China Group.
2010
Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, China
Yao Ming visits Xueyuan Primary School which was built by the Yao Foundation in Lizhou area of Guangyuan, Sichuan Province of China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2010
601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Andray Blatche #7 of the Washington Wizards drives against Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets at the Verizon Center (present-day Capital One Arena), Washington, D.C. Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE.
2010
601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Yao Ming (11) warms up prior to the start of his team's game against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center (present-day Capital One Arena) in Washington, D.C. Photo by Harry E. Walker/Tribune News Service.
2010
601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Yao Ming (11) warms up prior to the start of his team's game against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center (present-day Capital One Arena) in Washington, D.C. Photo by Harry E. Walker/Tribune News Service.
2011
Yao Ming with his wife, Ye Li, holding their daughter, Yao Qinlei
2011
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming arrives at his press conference announcing his retirement from basketball, Shanghai, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2011
Beijing, China
Yao Ming reacts during an official ceremony to mark his retirement from basketball, Beijing, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2013
Renda Huitang W Rd, Xicheng District, China, 100031
Yao Ming (top right), a delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attends the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, China. Photo by Feng Li.
2013
Renda Huitang W Rd, Xicheng District, China, 100031
Yao Ming, a delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attends the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China. Photo by Getty Images.
2013
Yao Ming holds his Sports Influential Man Grand Jury Prize.
2015
300 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, China, 200003
Presenter Chen Chen speaks with new Laureus Academy member Sachin Tendulkar, with Yao Ming and Laureus World Sports Academy member Yang Yang (center) onstage during the Laureus World Sports Awards show at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, China. Photo by Ian Walton.
2015
300 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, China, 200003
Yao Ming with his Laureus Spirit of Sport award speaks onstage during the Laureus World Sports Awards show at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, China. Photo by Ian Walton.
2015
Yao Ming was chosen for the Magnolia Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to Chinese sport and was given it four years later. Photo by CNS/Tang Yanjun.
2018
Jakarta, Indonesia
Yao Ming poses for a photograph with gold medalists of China from the men's and women's competitions after the victory ceremonies during the Asian Games in Jakarta. Photo by Fred Lee.
2018
2 Lincui Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Yao Ming (center) attends the coin toss ceremony on day eight of the China Open at the China National Tennis Centre, Beijing. Photo by Visual China Group.
2018
Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, attends the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification Group A first-round match between China and South Korea in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province of China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2018
42-80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, watches the action during the FIBA World Cup Qualifying match between the New Zealand's Tall Blacks and China at Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung.
2018
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming attends the undergraduate graduation ceremony of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Photo by Zhang Hengwei/China News Service/Visual China Group.
2018
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming attends the undergraduate graduation ceremony of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Photo by Zhang Haohao/Visual China Group.
2018
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming attends the undergraduate graduation ceremony of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Photo by Zhang Haohao/Visual China Group.
2019
Shanghai, China
Chinese Basketball Association chairman Yao Ming attends Special Olympics Gala Dinner, Shanghai, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming (left), President of the Chinese Basketball Association, attends CBA & Kuaishou Partnership Press Conference, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
783 Baiyun S Ave, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510405
Yao Ming encourages team members during the classification round of the FIBA World Cup between China and Korea at the Guangzhou Gymnasium, China. Photo by Zhizhao Wu.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, gestures during a press conference on the Chinese Basketball Association, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, speaks during a press conference on the Chinese Basketball Association, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Tongren, Guizhou Province, China
Chinese Basketball Association President Yao Ming, also the founder of Yao Foundation, looks on during an exhibition game that concludes the Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Season, Tongren, Guizhou Province, China. Photo by Xinyu Cui.
2019
Tiyu Rd, Caidian District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Yao Ming and Li Nan (left) of the Chinese Basketball team talk during Pre-Game Training against the Brazil National Team in the International Men's Basketball Super Tournament at the Wuhan Sports Center, Wuhan, China. Photo by Wang HE.
2019
11 Tianchen E Rd, Chaoyang, China
Yao Ming holds the FIBA World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony of FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Beijing National Aquatics Center, China. Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service/VCG.
2019
Shanghai, China
Yao Ming, President of the Chinese Basketball Association, and NBA player Jeremy Lin of the Toronto Raptors pose for a group photo with draftees during the CBA Draft, Shanghai, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
Shanghai, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming poses with Wang Shaojie (right) who was selected first overall by Beijing Beikong Fly Dragons during the CBA Draft, Shanghai, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
69 Fuxing Road 100036 Beijing, China
Yao Ming in action during the FIBA World Cup group match between Cote d'Ivoire and China at Cadillac Arena, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
Yao Ming (left), chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, and Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services (FMMS), attend the press conference marking the 100-day countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Beijing, China. Photo by Visual China Group.
2019
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Yao Ming (6th from the left) attends the press conference for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
China, Guangdong Province, Dongguan, Songshanhu Ave, 松山湖大道交汇处
CBA chairman Yao Ming, Chinese respiratory specialist Zhong Nanshan (left) and his wife Li Shaofen attend the Chinese Basketball Association League match between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Jiangsu Dragons at Dongguan Basketball Center, Guangdong Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2019
Beijing, China
NBA legends Kobe Bryant (left) and Yao Ming, president of the Chinese Basketball Association, take part in a ceremony during the FIBA World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain at Beijing Wukesong Sports Arena, China. Photo by Lintao Zhang.
2019
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming attends the Children Calligraphy & Drawing FIBA Basketball World Cup & China Mini Basketball League Launch Ceremony, Beijing, China. Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service/Visual China Group.
2020
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming speaks during the CBA League Press Conference in Beijing, China. Photo by Fred Lee.
2020
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming attends the CBA League Press Conference, in Beijing, China. Photo by Fred Lee.
2020
Changchun, Jilin Province, China
Yao Ming (left), chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, attends a ceremony for the establishment of the Jilin Basketball Association in Changchun, Jilin Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Chinese Basketball Association President and Yao Foundation founder Yao Ming visits Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Photo by Getty Images.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming (rear, 5th from the left), his wife Ye Li (rear, 4th from the left) and head coach of the Beijing Royal Fighters Stephon Marbury (rear, 6th from the left) visit a primary school before Yao Foundation Charity Game, Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association Yao Ming visits a primary school before Yao Foundation Charity Game in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
2020
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Yao Ming and all players with guests take photos during Yao Foundation Charity tournament in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Photo by Getty Images.
2020
Tiyu Rd, Caidian District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Yao Ming, founder of Yao Foundation, speaks during Yao Foundation Charity Game at Wuhan Sports Centre in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Photo by Zhang Chang/China News Service.
2020
Beijing, China
President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Yao Ming (center) attends the press conference for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League, Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/VCG.
China, Shanghai, Changning District, 法华镇路535号
Yao Ming studied at the Antai College of Economics & Management of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from 2011 to July 2018.
Yao Ming in childhood
Yao Ming as a toddler
Yao Ming's parents, (from left to right) Fang Fengdi and Yao Zhiyuan. Photo by VCG Photo.
Yao Ming's parents, (from left to right) Fang Fengdi and Yao Zhiyuan
Yao Ming with his wife, former basketball player Ye Li
Yao Ming's daughter, Yao Qinlei, accompanies her noted parents and grandparents at a commemorative event
Rudy Tomjanovich, former coach of the Houston Rockets. Photo by Brett Coomer, Staff / Chronicle.
(With this memoir, co-written with sportswriter Ric Bucher...)
With this memoir, co-written with sportswriter Ric Bucher, Yao reveals himself as a thoughtful, opinionated young man whose insights extend far beyond the basketball court.
https://www.amazon.com/YAO-Life-Worlds-Yao-Ming/dp/1401352146/ref=sr_1_1
2004
明 姚
executive athlete basketball player
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980 in Shanghai, China. He is the only son of Yao Zhiyuan and Fang Fengdi, who both played basketball professionally.
A son of unusually tall parents, Yao Ming himself grew rapidly as a child. For Yao's family, it seemed there was never enough food to satisfy the young boy's appetite. It was all the more hard mission taking into account the long-term history of China full of struggles to feed its huge population.
Yao reached 1.70 meters tall by the third grade. The boy was noticed by local sports officials and invited to enroll at local Shanghai sports institutions by the age of nine. He didn't show a big interest in sports at first, including basketball. Reading books on military history and recounting the details of his country's ancient battles were among his favorite activities.
In sixth grade, Yao surpassed his mother by height and soon became as tall as his father. At thirteen, he joined the Shanghai Sharks junior team of the Chinese Basketball Association and practiced basketball several hours a day. He remained in the team's junior squad for four years.
As an adult, in 2011, Yao Ming entered the Antai College of Economics & Management of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Completing a special program, mostly consisting of one-on-one lectures, he received a diploma in economics seven years later, in July.
The start of Yao Ming's career can be counted from 1997 when he switched from junior to senior squad of the Chinese Basketball Association's Shanghai Sharks. During the team's first full season, Yao became its star player, parallel to the considerable growth of the game's popularity in China during the 1990s. Soon there were more participants in basketball programs than those playing soccer in China, and NBA games broadcast on state-run television attracted large audiences. Yao also played for the Chinese national team, which competed in international events, including the Summer Olympics.
Yao's unusual height and skills on the court began drawing the attention of the player scouts for NBA teams and sports marketing ventures outside of China as well. In 1998, the budding Chinese player was invited to the United States by Nike to take part in a number of basketball camps. It was a turning point both in his athletic career and in his media popularity abroad.
A growing national icon in China, Yao was caught between his homeland and the chance to become an international superstar for the next few years. China did all to keep him with the Sharks and on the national team. So, in 2000, the Chinese government forbad Yao to attend the Nike Hoop Summit where many international players showed off their talents before NBA scouts. The refusal was officially explained by the beginning of the Olympic workouts for the forthcoming Summer Games in Sydney, Australia.
The workouts paid off during the main sports event of the quadrennium. Competing alongside his compatriots Menk Batere of the Beijing Ducks and Wang Zhizhi of the Chinese Army team, Yao Ming contributed to an honorable 10th-place at the finish of his national team. After the Olympics, Yao continued to play for the Sharks and led them to the Chinese Basketball Association championship in 2002.
That same year, NBA and CBA finally agreed on the conditions for Yao's draft to the National Basketball League. The Houston Rockets signed him to a four-year, $18 million contract as with the first overall pick in that year's draft. Five percent of his salary was intended for CBA, acсording to an arrangement between the leagues' officials.
Staying apart from the Rockets during the first months of his debut season in the team, Yao Ming, however, showed his impressive talents whenever coach Rudy Tomjanovich put him in a game. On November 17, 2002, in a match against the Los Angeles Lakers, Yao earned 20 points for the Rockets and made all of the shots he attempted, nine for nine. Later, in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, the number of scored points reached thirty and the taken rebounds were sixteen. In a few weeks, Yao was chosen to start for the Western Conference in the All-Star Game, and he surpassed noted Shaquille O'Neal in fan voting for the best center.
Yao's popularity in Houston grew quickly, and soon the Chinese star was signed to a number of large advertising contracts, including with Apple Computer, Visa check cards, and shoe industry giant Reebok. The situation was similar in his native country where he appeared in a number of the country's top brands' commercials as well. In 2003, Yao Ming came back home for a while to compete for the Chinese national team.
Although the Rockets narrowly missed making the NBA playoffs in 2003, Yao did his best to lead the team to a 43-39 record. It was impressive progress comparing to the previous season record, 28-54. In a match against the Atlanta Hawks in February of the next year, Yao reached career-high forty-one points. He helped the Rockets make the NBA playoffs, though they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yao still played for the Chinese national team. At the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece, he carried the Chinese flag at the head of the Chinese Olympic delegation. He was again the tallest athlete at the Games that year. With his soft shooting touch and deft passing ability, Yao was on the top in each of the next six seasons and led the Rockets to playoff five times (2004, 2005, and 2007-09).
Unfortunately, a series of broken bones in his legs and feet over the course of his seventh year with the Rockets forced him to finish the season during the playoffs. The trauma he received was so severe that the surgery didn't help to heal it effectively, and Yao was obliged to withdraw from the whole 2009-10 NBA season. The Gentle Giant played five matches at the beginning of the next year, but suffered a stress fracture in his ankle, and was removed for the rest of the season. In July 2011, Yao Ming announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Six years later, Yao headed the Chinese Basketball Association, having served as its president and owner of its Shanghai Sharks franchise since July 16, 2009. Sought out by the media, Yao has served as a pitchman for many companies and has collaborated with the NBA in its activity to popularize the league worldwide. Yao has also been an active collaborator of the Special Olympics. He has served as a Global Ambassador and member of the International Board of Directors as well.
Dubbed the "Yao Ming Phenomenon" in China, Yao Ming is one of the most noted and esteemed athletes in his home country. His athletic achievements and friendly personality made him a symbol of a new China. His impact on basketball culture extended far past his on-court accomplishments. He attracted large crowds wherever the Rockets played, and Houston games were broadcast to huge audiences in China and other Asian countries.
During his career with the NBA's Houston Rockets, Yao led them to playoffs four times and helped them to win in the first-round series of the 2009 postseason, the team's first victory since 1997. Yao's total points and total rebounds placed him sixth among franchise leaders, and second in total blocks by the end of his career with the Rockets.
Selected to start for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game eight times and named to the All-NBA Team five times, Yao Ming was the only foreign basketball player to top the NBA in All-Star votes. At the time of his retirement from basketball, Yao was the tallest active player in the NBA.
From 2003 to 2009, Yao Ming headed Forbes' Chinese celebrities list in income and popularity. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. To celebrate their star player, the Houston Rockets retired his number 11 jersey a year later.
(With this memoir, co-written with sportswriter Ric Bucher...)
2004Yao Ming was a Member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from March 2013 to March 2018.
A basketball legend, Yao has actively taken part in various charity events and initiatives during and after his sports career, both related to sport, like the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program, or touching global issues, such as a 2003 multinational telethon organized for raising funds for SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) awareness and its prevention. In 2007, Yao organized an auction that collected US$965,000 and participated in a charity basketball match to raise money for impoverished children in China.
A year later, he donated $2 million to provide assistance for victims of the Sichuan earthquake and set up the Yao Ming Foundation to contribute to the reconstruction of destroyed schools. As an ambassador for elephant conservation, Yao Ming has collaborated with the "Say No" campaign with the participation of the African Wildlife Foundation and WildAid.
Quotations:
"I want people in China to know that part of why I play basketball is simply personal. In the eyes of Americans, if I fail then I fail. It's just me. But for the Chinese, if I fail then that means that thousands of other people fail along with me. They feel as if I'm representing them."
"No matter whether you are new or an old team member, you need time to adjust to one another."
"Basketball, in America, is like a culture. It is like a foreigner learning a new language. It is difficult to learn foreign languages and it will also be difficult for me to learn the culture for basketball here."
"If you're going to learn a new language, you can't try to be perfect. You'll stop yourself from talking. You just have to let go."
"A good leader must be fair."
"When I was small, I always wanted to be famous. I thought I'd be a scientist or maybe a political figure. It didn't matter, as long as I was famous."
"When I was young, we were taught not to dunk. We were taught not to stand out from the rest of the team. It's different now."
"I finished my high school. I think education is very, very important."
"Fortune cookies are a good idea. If the message is positive, it can make your day a little better."
"Endangered species are our friends."
"Putting our ecosystem in great peril is certainly not a part of Chinese culture that I know."
Yao Ming is well-liked by fans, sportswriters, and his former teammates, coming across as a modest and immensely likable person. The combination of his nice-guy attitude and easy smile with his giant height and lantern jaw led the media to dub him the "Gentle Giant." In May 2009, Yao was captured laughing at a post-game press conference, and that picture became a famous Internet meme.
Physical Characteristics: Yao Ming is 2.29 meters tall. At birth, he weighed ten pounds, more than twice as much as it was typical for infants in China. At school, he towered over his classmates. The doctors' predictions for his probable height in adulthood were for 2.21 meters.
Quotes from others about the person
David Stern, former NBA Commissioner: "Yao was a bridge between Chinese and American basketball fans with a wonderful mixture of talent, dedication and humanitarian aspirations."
Moochie Norris, former professional basketball player: "When he throws you a pass, a lot of times he has to shout out your name so you know it's coming."
Edwin Moses, American former track and field athlete: "He is one of those people who is a sporting legend, but who also shows a greater commitment than simply what happens in the sports hall."
Zhang Guojun, former Chinese judoka: "Yao is important in our hearts. He went to America, and he returned."
Yao Ming came across his wife-to-be, his compatriot female basketball player Ye Li, in about 1997. It wasn't love at first sight on Ye's part but she finally accepted Yao's courtship by the early 2000s.
They went public with their relationship while attending the 2004 Olympics closing ceremony together. The wedding ceremony in a tight circle of relatives and close friends followed three years later, on August 6. The family produced one daughter, Yao Qinlei (Amy in English).
A former professional basketball player for a local Shanghai team, Yao Zhiyuan was 2.01 meters tall.
(born March 21, 1948)
Fang Fengdi is 1.91 meters tall. She played for the Chinese national team in the early 1970s and was its captain.
(born November 20, 1981)
Ye Li was a member of the China women's national basketball team at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. She is 1.91 meters tall.
(born August 6, 2007)
Yao's English name is Amy. Unusually tall for her age, the same as her parents and paternal grandparents, Yao practices basketball.
(born November 24, 1948)
In full Rudolph Tomjanovich Jr., Rudy Tomjanovich played for the Houston Rockets from 1970 to 1981. He then was its head coach from 1992 to 2003. He has also coached Team USA, 2000 Summer Olympics Champion, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He was elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame on April 4, 2020.
