Former Houston Rockets center and Chinese basketball star Yao Ming has officially been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame according to multiple reports.
Standing at 7 feet and 6 inches tall, Yao Ming’s career began in Shanghai as part of the Chinese Basketball Association, and was the first pick in the 2002 draft. He is often credited with bringing the NBA to China.
He was the NBA’s first Chinese star and NBA merchandise sales and TV ratings in China skyrocketed during his career.
The 35-year-old was an eight-time NBA All-Star selection and retired in 2011 after a series of devastating foot and ankle injuries. During his final season, he was the tallest active player in the NBA.
The formal announcement is anticipated at the NCAA Final Four in Houston this weekend.