1997-2002, played basketball with the Shanghai Sharks (CBA). 2002, drafted by the Houston Rockets. 2002-11, professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Tallest basketball player in the NBA. Special Olympics Global Ambassador, taking the Special Olympics' message of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities to a worldwide audience. Has also been involved in several other initiatives such as Yao Ming's Charity Telethon in support of the fight against SARS and the Chinese AIDS Initiative whose aim is to promote HIV/AIDS awareness in China.