Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Yao Ming, China's NBA star, retires from basketball

? Yao was first international player to be top NBA pick
? Last two seasons at Houston blighted by injury

The basketball player Yao Ming, who ignited China's interest in the NBA and became one of Asia's best-known athletes, has announced his retirement from the sport.

The 30-year-old had been widely expected to retire after he told the Houston Rockets he would not be returning next season after two years blighted by injuries.

"Today I am retired from the game of basketball," Yao said. "Basketball has given me so much and I want to thank the game."

The 7ft 6in Yao became the first international player to be made the top pick in the NBA draft when the Rockets called his name in 2002.

Yao averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds per game over eight seasons, though he played in just five games in his final two years.


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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jul/20/yao-ming-china-nba

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