In this 2003 film produced by National Geographic, Lisa Ling talks to Yao about his playing days in China and in the NBA with the Houston rockets. She also goes to visit Shanghai to see the impact that Yao has had on basketball in China.

Yao was more than just a basketball player; he is a global icon that helped bring American basketball to China, and international basketball to America and the NBA.

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Before Yao Ming came over to America to play basketball in the NBA, international basketball, much less Asian basketball, was not as respected as it is today.

After being chosen number one overall in the 2002 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, Yao Ming added to the growing acceptance that international players could compete with the NBA’s best. Yao created a revolution, not just in the NBA, but also in international basketball, especially basketball in China. He caused a revolution that will forever be felt in the NBA and around the world.

Yao Ming will be missed on the basketball court, and off.