At halftime during the game between Houston Rockets and the Chicago Bulls on Feb 5th, a huge No.11 jersey was hung over the Toyota Center in Houston, declaring the retirement of Chinese basketball player Yao Ming’s jersey. Earlier on Feb 2nd, the Mayor of Houston announced that the day would be “Yao Ming Day.”

Yao Ming’s family, the former general manager of the Rockets Carroll Dawson, the boss of the Rockets Leslie Alexander, NBA President Adam Silver, Yao’s former partners in the Rockets Francis, McGrady, Mutombo and Battier, and former legend Olajuwon all attended the retirement ceremony. During the speech, Yao Ming sincerely expressed his gratitude to both the management of the Houston Rockets and his fans. Having averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.9 blocks per game, Yao Ming has been named 5 times in the All-NBA’s best team. In addition, he was the first Non-American player who has got achievements 8 times in the NBA All-star games during his 8-year career in NBA, and was the first Chinese player to enter the Hall of Fame.

Since ending his athletic career, Yao Ming has been devoting himself to the development of China sport and the basketball industry. He is not only the boss of Shanghai Sharks, but also the new Vice-President of the CBA League. Furthermore, He and Li Jinsheng, Vice Chairman of the CBA, are leading preparation of the 9th CBA National Convention and Leadership Transition Meeting. 

Proofread by Sean O Diobhilin