Yao Ming

Yao Ming getting around an opponent (google)

A hero to me is a person who I admire and who achieves great things. That person to me is Yao Ming. I admire him for all the great things he has accomplished in basketball.

Yao is 24 years old and was born in Shanghai, China. He is 7'6" and weighs 310 lbs. He is the tallest basketball player in the NBA. He went to Shanghai Sharks Sports College, and played basketball with them. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the first overall pick in the NBA. He started with the Rockets as a center.

Illustration of Yao Ming by Kent Warren

Yao Ming is my hero, because I want to be just like him when I grow up. One of the things I like about him is his attitude. When the Rockets are losing they can count on him to bring them back into the game. Also, when he misses a shot he plays harder to make up for it.

Another reason he is my hero is that he is good at what he does. He went to the Olympics twice, both times with China. He has been nominated rookie of year twice, and in 2003 he got the trophy for rookie of the year. He has done over 60 double-doubles, that is when you get over ten points and ten of something else. Yao Ming's career high is 41 points. His career high in rebounds is 23. That is what I call great!

Yao Ming has a great attitude and is good at what he does. He is my favorite basketball player. I personally think he will become the second Michael Jordan of basketball, but as a post player. That is why Yao Ming is my hero.