As a big fan of Houston Rockets, I was so surprised to see China Yao’s image in Baidu’s logo today~~

If you talk about Houston Rockets basketball you gotta be talking about Yao Ming, who’s the big man and the fundamental of the team. As he got drafted in 2002 as the number one pick, he brought into the NBA league something special. Not only he’s the first international player who’s got drafted as the number one pick from China, but also he’s showed fans and players his great basketball skills, personality, passion and his addiction for success.

As we speak, Yao’s been playing in the NBA league for 5 years. Even he’s blessed as a basketball player with the 7-6 height and all the skills a tall guy like him can have, the start of his NBA journey wasn’t easy. Being the spot light in the 2002 NBA draft pick, and every game he plays, the big man definitely has big pressure. It’s a big transition for him to go to a whole different country to take his game to the next level. Of course the pressure of getting used to the game, training, city life, communication and how to handle being the spot light, has given Yao a tough time at the start. Remember he said in one of his early interviews that he was so tired he just wanted to sleep. This clearly shows that Yao was exhausted with all the things he had to do. And the most important thing is to play good basketball and make a difference for the team.

Yet in the first few games, due to the pressure and fatigue he had, he got out-muscled and out-played by the more experienced players. Yao didn't give up but took on the challenge both physically and psychologically. Through months of hardcore training and learning from everybody around him, Yao knows it’s his time to shine and he’s gonna knuckle down and do it. He steps up his game and single-handedly carries Houston Rockets to the play-off in consecutive years. The 5-time all star player now has become the fundamental of the team and one of the best centers in the league. We love watching Yao play, not just he dominates the paint but also he’s a sharp outside shooter. With his inside and outside skills, he shows that he can take over the game. What’s more amazing, his 87% free throw and passing ability have shown that he’s a team player and he can get his teammates involved by making great passes on the court.

Yao Ming’s presence has taken NBA basketball games to another level. His off-court sense of humor and personality has favored millions of fans and make his teammates tightly group up around him. His success does make all the Chinese people proud as he becomes the asian icon in the NBA.

PS: It takes me twice the time to type it in Chinese, but what is on my mind doesn’t allow me to wait that long ~and i know you guys who love Yao can share my feelings~

Neil