Aside from possibly becoming the head of the CBA, Yao Ming is also reportedly being considered to coach the men's basketball team. (Photo : Twitter)
Chinese basketball icon and former NBA star Yao Ming might be on the next stage of his career as he is reportedly being considered to become the head of the country's biggest league.
CBA Chairman or National Team Coach
According to Guangzhou-based newspaper Basketball Pioneer, the General Administration of Sports plans to recommend Yao as the chairman of the state-owned China Basketball association. The recommendation is said to be a part of the GSA's 10-point guideline for the further development of the sport in the country, the Global Times reported.
Yao's basketball skills and experience in the NBA are believed to make him the best qualified for the position. While the reported recommendation is still unconfirmed, it was met positively by fans who believe that he can bring new development into the sport.
In 2016, Yao sought to help privatize the country's premiere league by forming a corporation that was backed by 18 of the 20 CBA teams.
The plan would have made the league closer to the NBA in terms of business structure, letting the teams have more control on the business aspect. This, in turn, could help attract and train more talented players, as well as improve the fan experience.
But the proposal was eventually shot down, with the CBA itself forming its own corporation to retain control of the league's revenues.
The GAS is also reportedly considering to invite the 36-year-old basketball star to become the head coach for the men's basketball team. However, the idea was not as well met, with netizens noting that Yao doesn't have much experience as a coach yet.
Rockets to Retire Yao's Jersey
Meanwhile, NBA team Houston Rockets announced that it will be retiring Yao's no. 11 on Feb. 3 in a special halftime ceremony during their game against the Chicago Bulls, USA Today reported.
Yao played for the Rockets for the entire duration of his eight-year NBA stint.
Yao will be the sixth Rockets player to have his jersey officially retired, following in the footsteps of Clyde Drexler, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Calving Murphy, and Rudy Tomjanovich.
He was also inducted into the James Naismith Hall of Fame in September of last year.
