Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming sat down with ESPN-Tencent reporter Yuan Fang for an exclusive one-on-one -- conducted in Chinese and translated to English -- during which the Chinese basketball pioneer discussed life, basketball and his career in the U.S.
Yuan Fang: After the Sydney Olympics in 2000, I was 15 and in person when you arrived at the General Administration of Sports of China. The moment you and the national team showed up, I was pushed out by the huge crowd. You were the only player who spotted me and offered an autograph. A picture was taken by my mother, and I've kept it ever since. Sixteen years have passed. Are you still the same Yao Ming?
Yao Ming: I'm sure some of my habits haven't changed. What I did at that moment is how I am as a person, so I pulled you aside. I treated other fans the same way I did later on in life, so some of my habits have always stayed with me.
Yuan Fang: So after 16 years, what have you changed the most?
Yao Ming: My appearance, like you mentioned earlier. (Laughs.)
Yuan Fang: What about basketball and your attitude toward life?
Yao Ming: Basketball-wise, it's a competitive sport, so oftentimes we focus solely on our opponents. Philosophically, I started to learn about myself from within. Once you have faced your true self, then you are really able to face the outside world and people. So essentially, you need to ease your mind first, and figure out who you are before you will know where you want to go.
Yuan Fang: In this year's Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement, Dikembe Mutombo, Bill Russell, and Bill Walton will be presenting you at your speech. Did you choose them personally? Is there any unique story untold between you and these three individuals?
Yao Ming: Yes, I'm extremely honored to ask all three of them to present me and introduce me to the Hall of Fame. These three individuals are all famous big men among NBA history. What can I say about Bill Russell? Eleven championships, even though he just has 10 fingers, he has 11 rings. I'd really wish he could spare me one. Bill Walton has been a tremendous mentor, especially when I first came to the league. And I'm very close with Mutombo; we played five seasons together with the Rockets, which were more than half of my career. I'm really glad that they are willing to be my presenters.
Yuan Fang: Back in 2012, you had an opportunity to be inducted to the Hall of Fame as a contributor, but you kindly declined. Four years later, here you are.
Yao Ming: I think it's important to respect the rules. The Hall of Fame has its rules and regulations; players can only qualify after retiring for at least five years. If you want something, you have to follow the rules; we shouldn't break the rules for any reason.
Yuan Fang: Now you are a Hall of Famer; you've earned all the glory and your reputation. But we all know, behind every success there is an untold story. Could you share with us, what are some of the biggest challenges and struggles during your professional career and personal life?
Yao Ming: Though some moments were hard to conquer, they were really not a big deal when I look back now. And I did not overcome all of those difficult moments. It's easy to say now, but maybe I just hung in there and grinded it out. The more important thing is the lessons learned, experience and moving forward. What's lined up for the future? And what kind of differences can I make?
Yuan Fang: As a former international student, I understand how difficult could it be for a Chinese person to study/work in America. In retrospect, when you first came to the league and were experiencing culture shock, what advice can you share with us?
Yao Ming: Blend in and adapt, or "adopt" in English. During the process, we have to understand our differences while searching for commonality. People are different, but it's crucial to have commonalities. We should not focus on our differences. After all, this is not China, we shouldn't force our way of living to the American people. We chose to come to an entirely different country, therefore we should accept and respect their culture and rules.
"I've been asked that question quite often, and my answer is always "no." All my success and failures made me who I am today. If I were to erase and fix my failures and mistakes, I'd lose all the lessons and experience. These are all my valuable assets."Yao Ming, on what he would have done differently during his NBA career
Yuan Fang: If you could go back to age 24 or 25, what would you do differently in the NBA?
Yao Ming: Actually, I've been asked that question quite often, and my answer is always "no." All my success and failures made me who I am today. If I were to erase and fix my failures and mistakes, I'd lose all the lessons and experience. These are all my valuable assets.
Yuan Fang: Last week, Tracy McGrady wrote an article for ESPN. He said if both of you were in your prime and injury-free, you would have won a championship with that Rockets team. Do you agree?
Yao Ming: We can't say "what if." What I hope to see is what we could have done better, how we could have created a better outcome. I think it would be great to sit down with old friends, reminisce a little bit. But we should not immerse ourselves in it.
Yuan Fang: Having your own basketball team, the Yao Ming Foundation, and running your wine company, how would you form a complete brand of yourself?
Yao Ming: I think specialization is very crucial, and having specialists to be in charge. I can't be part of every little detail, but I have a trustworthy team behind me, and they can certainly get the job done.
Yuan Fang: Last question,. I saw you appearing at a media event in Beijing, you shot 30-for-30 at the free throw line. Do you still play?
Yao Ming: Barely.
Yuan Fang: So if you were in better shape, how would you perform in today's game? Perhaps in the Chinese Basketball Association?
Yao Ming: That's too many "what-ifs!"