Always fluent in basketball

2011-07-21 08:04:50

Yao Ming was only in his second year in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Houston Rockets and relied heavily on an interpreter before developing his English proficiency. However, first-year coach Jeff Van Gundy had no difficulty communicating with his towering star. "He worked hard at his English but he spoke perfect basketball. He didn't need any help on the court. He had a superior basketball IQ," said Van Gundy, who coached Yao during four of his finest seasons in the NBA.

Yao influence

2011-07-21 08:04:50

Colin Pine

Quotes

2011-07-21 08:04:50

"Yao Ming, hello (in Chinese), my brother, it's Shaq. You are China's greatest player and among this era's greatest players. I will miss you now, let's go on holiday together, you and I."

Full transcript of Yao Ming's statement

2011-07-20 15:22:57

Leaders, guests, and friends from news media, good afternoon, and thanks for

Yao Ming's retirement speech (Part 1)

2011-07-20 15:13:28

part I&II

Yao continues basketball life as Chinese club boss

2011-07-20 15:09:15

"I am off the basketball court but I will never be away from the sport," Yao Ming said here on Wednesday at a news conference to announce his retirement.

Yao is a bridge, says NBA commissioner

2011-07-20 15:00:37

NBA commissioner David Stern hailed Chinese Yao Ming as a "bridge between basketball fans" in the two countries as the Houston Rockets center announced retirement on Wednesday.

Shanghai sports official thanks Yao

2011-07-20 14:58:38

Yao Ming just announced his retirement after serious consideration. On behalf of the Shanghai Sports Bureau, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Yao Ming for his contribution toShanghaisports development and the city.

Yao set to announce retirement Wednesday

2011-07-20 11:04:08

China's iconic star announced retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name.

Kobe salutes Yao impact on NBA dreams

2011-07-20 09:16:07

Yao Ming has made it possible for young Chinese basketball players to chase their NBA dreams, NBA all-star guard Kobe Bryant said on Tuesday.

Yao set to announce retirement Wednesday afternoon

2011-07-19 14:01:03

Yao Ming should make it official on Wednesday, announcing what is widely expected to be his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China.

Can't pay, won't pay? 2012 for free thinkers

2011-07-19 11:07:58

In a time of financial belt-tightening, and with a nod to the spirit of the Austerity Olympics of 1948, there will be ways to get out, soak up the atmosphere and watch some live sport without handing over hard-earned cash.