Bai Yansong Was Right: Yao Ming, After Resigning as Chairman of the Basketball Association, Has Chosen Another Path
When it comes to basketball, most people immediately think of Yao Ming. As a former chairman of the Basketball Association, his character and "official quality" are undoubtedly top-notch. However, on October 31 last year, he announced his resignation. It's said that Yao Ming's era has come to an end, and events have once again proven that Bai Yansong was absolutely correct!
The Glory of His Basketball Career
In 1980, Yao Zhuyuan was extremely nervous and restless, pacing anxiously outside the delivery room while his wife, Fang Fengdi, exerted herself inside as if fighting a tough battle. Finally, after a period of waiting, a heavyweight "little giant" named Yao Ming was born, weighing in at 5 kilograms. This child, who was larger than others from birth, seemed destined to stir up a "storm" on the basketball court.
Growing up, he towered over his peers, leaving them in the dust. Everyone had to look up to talk to him; this kid was naturally cut out for basketball. Under the excellent genes of his parents and his own hard training, he gradually began to gain fame in the basketball world.
By 2002, he confidently entered the NBA, selected as the first overall pick. This was akin to dropping an "atomic bomb" in the basketball world, turning a new page in the history of Chinese basketball.
On the NBA court, this Chinese big man truly delivered, with precise shots that hit the basket like missiles and a tough defense that showed the world what Chinese power is all about. His skills made domestic fans' blood boil, and they celebrated wildly every time they saw him dominate the court.
Even those usually boastful Americans couldn't help but give him a thumbs up and continuous praise upon seeing Yao Ming's performance.
There was once a show where, shortly after joining the NBA, he didn't perform well, and star player Charles Barkley publicly humiliated him, saying he could never score 19 points. If he did, Barkley would kiss Kenny Smith's ass. At the time, Yao Ming didn't take it too seriously because he knew that strength is the best response. As fate would have it, he scored a high 20 points in a subsequent game, leaving Barkley to pay the price for his words. Smith brought a donkey, and Barkley kissed its rear end live on stage.
With his solid skills, he went on to earn China great respect in the field of basketball, showing the world that Chinese basketball also has figures standing at the pinnacle of the world.
Injuries and Retirement
On the basketball court, he was mighty, but behind the scenes, injuries clung to him like an unshakable tail, constantly plaguing him. In 2009, during a game, he took a bad fall, fracturing his left foot and requiring major surgery. After the operation, he worked hard to recover, gritting his teeth and striving to return to the court as soon as possible.
However, injuries struck again, delivering a heavy blow. In 2011, he had no choice but to announce his retirement, unable to escape the claws of injury. Retirement must have been bittersweet for him, filled with regret. But as the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new; retirement marked the beginning of a new life for him.
In 2017, he was elected unanimously as the head of the Chinese Basketball Association, taking up the banner to revitalize Chinese basketball. Upon assuming office, he acted decisively, making the CBA vibrant and vigorously promoting youth basketball. These reforms were like a shot in the arm for Chinese basketball, revitalizing the entire circle.
However, reform is never smooth sailing, and there were undercurrents in this journey. In 2019, the Chinese men's basketball team suffered defeat in the World Cup, a series of losses that put immense pressure on this basketball veteran, dimming the radiance of his halo.
As expected, on October 31, 2024, he ordered his formal resignation as chairman of the Basketball Association, drawing the curtain on the "Yao Ming era." But don't think that Chairman Yao has faded away; his love for basketball runs deep, how could he easily say goodbye?
After resigning, he remains as busy as ever. He appeared at the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, closely watching the development of youth, afraid of missing anything. Moreover, in November last year, he organized a grand "Yao Foundation" charity dinner. He personally presided over the event, rallying a group of wealthy and caring friends to donate money for the education of children in poor areas.
Some fans even encountered him at a hot pot restaurant, clearly showing that life after resignation seems more relaxed for him, with more smiles on his face. Not long ago, around mid-December, he visited a school in Hebei, chatting with some young players and even betting on a free-throw competition.
In the video, he appears in great shape, frequently uttering witty remarks, causing the children around him to laugh uncontrollably. He also mentioned that playing more basketball can make one grow taller. When a little classmate wanted to take a photo with him, he said, "Shoot a ball into the hoop, and I'll take a photo with you." The child tried twice without success, but then a little girl stepped forward valiantly, and with her momentum, the ball went straight in. The girl successfully took a photo with Yao Ming.
Netizens also expressed: It can be seen that he is really popular among children, exuding a big brother vibe; this is the real "Big Yao." After retiring, he spoke so much for the first time; after laying down that position, he can finally live a carefree life. He hadn't seen such a smile during his tenure; one can imagine how much pressure he was under.
These actions are telling the world that his passion for the basketball cause has never waned; his heart is tightly bound to basketball.
Basketball Sentiment
From being a giant on the court to a leader of the Basketball Association, this guy undoubtedly loves basketball. Using his fame and influence, he is wholeheartedly pushing Chinese basketball forward, aiming to cultivate more rising stars in the basketball world.
Just as Bai Yansong once said, Yao Ming used to excel himself; now, he wants others to become more capable. His feelings for basketball have remained unchanged for decades.
Indeed, Yao Ming's name is a golden brand in the basketball world, representing half of Chinese basketball. Throughout his life, he has shown everyone through his actions what basketball spirit is, whether sweating on the court or strategizing off it; he has spared no effort for the rise of Chinese basketball.
A thousand words converge into one sentence: Yao Ming is the cleanest chairman of the Basketball Association.
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