Yao Ming

 Yao Ming, Chinese: Yao Ming; born September 12th 1980 in the Chinese state.) is an ex-professional basketball player, executive and coach from China. He played for the Shanghai Sharks (CBA), and the Houston Rockets (NBA). Yao was chosen to play for the Western Conference in NBA All-Star Game eight more times , and was named to the All-NBA Team five more times. At 2.29m (7 6 inches tall), Yao was the NBA's largest active player. Yao was born in Shanghai and started playing in the NBA in his teens. Yao played for the Sharks senior team for five seasons in the CBA. The year he played his final saw him win a championship. After negotiating with the CBA as well as the Sharks to get his release Yao was selected by the Rockets as the first overall pick during the 2002 NBA draft. The Rockets took the lead in the first round series of the postseason in 2009 which was their first victory in playoff series since 1997. Yao made it to the NBA playoffs four more times. Yao announced his retirement from professional basketball player in July of 2011. He had suffered a series ankle and foot injuries that forced him play in 250 games during the previous six seasons. [2] In eight seasons with the Rockets, Yao ranks sixth among franchise leaders for total points and total rebound, and second in total blocks