Yao Ming

Yao Ming is a basketball player for the NBA's Houston Rockets. At 7-6, Yao Ming of China is not only the NBA's tallest player but also - next to Dwight Howard - its best center.

Yao entered the League as the No.1 pick in the 2002 draft. While at the time many people wondered how he would master the transition from the Chinese CBA to the much more physical American game, Yao Ming has disproven most of his critics by developing into an unguardable offensive player relying on finesse as well as power.

Voted a starter in the All-Star Game for six consecutive years, the only downside to Yao Ming is that he is injury-prone.

Though he was not the first Chinese player to wear an NBA uniform - an honour belonging to Wang Zhizhi - Yao's success has helped the NBA to conquer the Chinese market.

Created by: Ole Last edited by: Premier League