Yao Ming is one of the biggest stars in basketball today -- literally. Standing seven feet, six inches, he towers over all but the tallest players. Yao's basketball career began in his native land of China, where he played for the country's national team as well as for the Shanghai Sharks. He caught the attention of NBA coaches early on, but it wasn't until 2002 that the government of China and the NBA reached an agreement that allowed Yao to be drafted onto the Houston Rockets. Yao has emerged as an international superstar, wowing audiences with his power, speed, and ability to defend. His fame and popularity have re-energized the game and made him a hero in China, where an estimated 300 million viewers have watched him play on television. This exciting biography traces the life of one of basketball's newest stars. For more information on the Matt Christopher Sports Bio Bookshelf, please turn to the last pages of this book.