Yao Ming

Yao Ming was born in China in 1980. He grew to be seven feet and six inches tall, making him one of the tallest basketball players ever. He played for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He helped make basketball very popular in China.

Growing Up Tall

Both of Yao's parents were very tall and played basketball. Yao was already taller than his teacher when he was a little kid. He started playing basketball when he was nine years old. Soon he joined a pro team in China called the Shanghai Sharks.

Basketball star Yao Ming getting ready to shoot a free throw.
Basketball star Yao Ming getting ready to shoot a free throw. (Ace Starry from Yonkers, NY, US. Cropped by User:Noble Story / Wikimedia Commons)

NBA Star

In 2002, Yao was the first pick in the NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Fans in China watched his games late at night because of the time difference. He was picked for the NBA All-Star Game eight times. Sadly, foot injuries made him retire in 2011.

Fun Facts

  • He carried the flag for China at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
  • He has a shoe size of 18.
  • He helped save sharks by telling people to stop eating shark fin soup.

Did You Know?

Yao Ming was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, one of the greatest honors in the sport.