The Greatness of Yao Ming

Yao Ming

Source: http://www.chinasportsreview.com/

A week ago, Yao Ming announced his retirement from the NBA. It marked the end of the “Ming Dynasty” in the world’s greatest league. It also ended all speculations that Yao would suit up next season. Yet, more than all the basketball- related stuff, it was Yao’s totality as an individual that would be greatly missed by everyone.

Yao’s career ended due to injuries. It was something that any basketball junkee could have predicted some years back. Yao was never really the healthiest player ever but he never allowed all his injuries to hinder him from being great. In fact, no matter how severe the injury was, he always gave his best shot to overcome them and get back to playing. If given the choice to be healthy, Yao would surely suit up and play ball. Unfortunately, all the many injuries he has had in the past had finally succeeded in ending his short but very sweet career.

When Yao was drafted 1st overall in ’02, everyone took a shot at him. A lot of people said that he would be a major flop. Some said that Shawn Bradley was better than him. Others said that he was too soft and was too slow to play in the NBA. While others said that the Houston Rockets made a big mistake in drafting him. Even Shaq himself said very inappropriate remarks towards Yao. Yet, in spite all of the criticisms, Yao remained humble and he just worked hard to improve his game.

Yao struggled at first. He did not get heavy playing time. Stephon Marbury crossed him over. His teammates did not him the ball. Charles Barkley even said that if Yao Ming scores more than 19 points in a game, he (Barkley) would kiss the ass of a donkey. To simply put it, Yao became the NBA’s laughing stock. But instead of giving up, Yao just continued to play hard and to learn the NBA game. Then, slowly but surely as the ‘02 season progressed, Yao started putting up monster numbers. This propelled him from zero status to hero status.

Yao fever was on. He became a major fan- favorite to the point that he was voted as a starter in the all- star game. Shaq was forced to apologize. Barkley kissed a donkey on National TV. His critics had no choice but to shut up. And it was one of those happiest times in basketball. Yao was a major underdog and everyone bullied him. Yet, he just remained kind and hard- working and he eventually was able to overcome all the adversities that came his way.

From then on, Yao went on to become one of the greatest centers to play in the NBA. He was a perennial all- star. He led Houston to the playoffs. He represented China well. He was a great basketball ambassador. And most importantly, he was an excellent role- model.

Yao was definitely a great basketball player but he was even a greater person. He showed everyone that one could do so much if only he/ she could commit him/herself to the real essence of generosity. It was not just a matter of giving money or giving away shoes. It was about truly caring and being there for these people that you want to help. Yao would always make it a point to go back to China to inspire the Chinese youth. He did not use his hero status to gain personal benefits. Rather, he used it as his tool to help the people in China by providing them hope through his charity works and his inspirational talks. He was responsible with his actions and he veered away from all the non-sense childish things.

With Yao’s retirement, the NBA has lost another major big man in its roster. Yet, what will be missed so much by the league and by all basketball fans throughout the world is how Mr. Yao Ming carried himself as a very diligent professional and a truly humble and selfless person.

Xie xie Yao Ming!:)