Yao Ming

Date of Birth: September 12, 1980

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Yao Ming is a retired Chinese professional basketball player who played for the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 7 feet 6 inches tall, Yao was one of the tallest players in the history of the NBA. Born into a family of basketball players, Yao was destined for the sport. He entered the Chinese professional league as a teenager and quickly rose to prominence. His exceptional skills and towering height made him a dominant force on the court, both in China and in the United States. In 2002, Yao was selected by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, making him the first international player to be chosen number one without having previously played U.S. college basketball. Over the course of his career, Yao became known for his scoring ability, shot-blocking, and rebounding skills. He was an 8-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. After retiring from professional basketball in 2011 due to recurring foot and ankle injuries, Yao has remained active in various capacities. He has served as an ambassador for the sport, a philanthropist, and an advocate for wildlife conservation. Yao also took on the role of president of the Chinese Basketball Association, aiming to improve the quality and popularity of basketball in China.

5 Interesting Facts about Yao Ming

1. Yao Ming was the first international player to be selected as the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft without playing in a U.S. college.

2. He is one of the tallest players in NBA history, standing at 7 feet 6 inches.

3. Yao was an 8-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

4. He has a foundation named the Yao Ming Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children in China and the United States.

5. Yao is an avid advocate for wildlife conservation and has been involved in campaigns to stop the poaching of elephants and rhinos.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yao Ming

1. “No matter whether you are a good shooter or not, you have to take the shot; otherwise, you are not a basketball player.”

2. “I know how much work it takes to be a professional athlete, and I don’t care how talented you are; it’s going to take a lot of work.”

3. “When you have a shared history with someone, it can be a powerful bond.”

4. “I feel very blessed. I am very grateful to the people who have supported me throughout my career.”

5. “Basketball is my life, and I make it a priority to be the best player I can be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Yao Ming’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $120 million.

Children

Yao Ming has one daughter, Yao Qinlei (also known as Amy), who was born on May 21, 2010. She is the only child of Yao Ming and his wife, Ye Li, who is also a former professional basketball player.