NBA legend Yao Ming has resigned from his role as head of the Chinese Basketball Association after a seven-year tenure, citing underwhelming national team performances. Speaking to state news agency Xinhua on Thursday, Yao expressed his disappointment: “The performances and results of the national team have regrettably not met expectations.”
A household name in China and an NBA star with the Houston Rockets, Yao, 44, has been vocal in his critiques of the national team’s struggles, once referring to the players as “slackers” and highlighting the “huge gap” between them and global competitors. Last year, he vowed to “take responsibility” following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The CBA, which accepted his resignation, noted Yao’s decision was made “after careful consideration” for the long-term development of Chinese basketball and his personal plans. Yao’s early departure, with two years remaining on his term, leaves the association a full Olympic cycle to strategize for future success.
In a CBA statement, Yao reflected on his commitment to basketball, saying, “Basketball is a career I have always adored, whether in the past, present, or future.” He encouraged fans to continue supporting Chinese basketball as he transitions out of his official role. The CBA expressed “sincere gratitude” for his efforts, acknowledging his achievements in popularizing basketball and building foundational support for the sport in China.
Yao’s successor, Guo Zhenming, pledged to pursue deeper reforms within Chinese basketball, aspiring to elevate China’s global standing in the sport. “Leading the CBA is both a weighty responsibility and an honorable mission,” Guo stated.
A towering 2.29 meters (7.5 feet) tall and born in Shanghai, Yao has been an iconic figure in sports. Drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002, he swiftly became a fan favorite thanks to his agility, sharp humor, and fluent English, eventually earning a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, Yao’s playing career was cut short by recurring injuries, leading to his retirement at 30. Since then, no Chinese player has matched his career achievements.
Yao Ming remains a beloved figure and an enduring symbol of Chinese basketball’s potential, with hopes that he will continue to influence the sport in new ways.
Comments