Yao Ming delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2016. To learn more about Yao Ming take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...
Yao Ming delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2016. To learn more about Yao Ming take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...
He spoke no english when he came in the league much respect to him
Yes, he's a studious guy.
Asian squad got mad study gains
All top players / people in their careers study like crazy. If you don't, you end up like Allen Iverson.
Yeah. In the Hall of Fame.
@blubblub barely he walked around with a interpreter do your research
"I'm a Texan...and a Houston Rocket for life..." Damn...Yao straight up representing...like a savage! LOL
Biggest Texan of all time!
12:20
yeah that line was dope.
Yao was about that life. that THUG LIFE
he's Texan for life
Yao Ming sounds like a black guy with a Chinese accent, lol guess that's what happens when you learn from your teammates
LMAO yo he really does tho
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
LOL!!!!
He sounds like the Allstate guy
bruh I couldnt stop chessing lmao 😄 the man seem so chill bruh..
We the black delegation choose Yao Ming
A brief intermission. *Blackness re-confirming* Yes, checks out. He's eligible.
Haha, classic Dave chappelle
whoa! did not see that coming
Thank you for that! lol!
The Indian delegation requests Stephen Curry
Honestly, it was Yao Ming who brought NBA to the market in China. Yao made more and more children fall in love with basketball
I am one of them
When basketball was first introduced to me in my elementary school age, every weekend the only reason I watched a game was to see Yao play.
the chinese professional basketball league is the second largest in terms of revenue in the world. only the NBA is bigger. it's better than even the euro league. that's all yao. he opened up the asian market and other NBA players, kobe bryant in particular, managed to cash in on the new market. kobe doesn't have the chinese fan base he does without yao.
Yao was the greatest NBA ambadassor
I always thought the Philippins basketball league is the best in asia but Im not asian so I guess Im wrong.
It takes guts to go up in front of an entire country and speak a language as different from your own as can be. Props to Yao
His English is awesome.
Great point
Well said
Got a great point there,Mister!
@insultmeplease why?
Yao's English improved IMMENSELY. I remember back in 2002.......now? Wow.
His English sounds a lot better than a lot of young guys
Agreed! His English is definitely better than most kids these days, lol.
practice
because he practiced more than AI! LOL
10 years in the league tho... he isn't learning so fast, look at kristaps porzingis
I love that line "because i need more practice than him" hahaha
Really smart comment, at the same time funny as also giving huge respect for Iverson having such talent.
A.I. Loved it too
Haha same, great to open his speech
Are we talking about practice?
Yeah, that was awesome! 😂
Yao Ming deserves to get this position in HOF 100 percent. Congrats, Big Yao!
Damn right well deserved!
he was great but there were some other good chinese players.
+Tchadli Santos better than yao?NOPE
of course he does silly, that's why he's in the HOF.
+Tchadli Santos what are you smoking
It's really shocking to me that anyone would doubt Yao Ming's place in the Hall of Fame. It's the BASKETBALL Hall of Fame, not the NBA Hall of Fame. He was the most dominant player in the history of the Chinese League, was one of the greatest Olympic basketball players in history. In fact, one of the main reasons his career was cut short was his insistence on playing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics on a badly injured foot. His desire to represent his country in the year they were the Olympic host more than likely cost him millions of dollars, but he did it anyway. Nobody is more deserving of being inducted than Yao Ming, congrats to him.
So many people overlook this. Dedication and sacrifice are all components in setting apart good players from the greats.
Even purely off of his nba accomplishments he deserves a spot. Dude was the best center in the nba for a while.
"Dikembe i put you last because you look like the oldest of the three" IM DEAD lol
With Bill Russell on the panel, that's saying something!
Lmfao! That practice joke killed me. Congrats, Yao!
Could you please explain that for me?
ZHENG CHENG Just google “Allen Iverson Practice” and u will see.
@@zeddzhou2138 lol, see that. Practice!
AI seemed to like it, too. LOL.
to any of you who don't think Yao deserves to be in the HoF, it's clear you didn't watch him play. Watch any of his highlights from 2003-2009. He wrecked everybody's shit.
shaq said the two players he had the hardest time guarding were hakeem the dream and yao, and shaq clashed with some true giants.
GTFOH!!!!!! hall of American fame tho?!?!?! hell naw!!!!!!!
+Orlando Anthony its called the Naismith memorial basketball hall of fame. the word "american" does not appear anywhere in the name.
You are absolutely right
You're a disgrace to Americans.
maybe the most unfair 2k player in history
😂😂💯💯
TRUE
+G1Pro Nah nobody can touch Yao on there lol. Way taller than everybody on the court. So if he in da vicinity, he getting every single rebound, blocking every shot, u can't contest him when he got the ball in the paint, AND he got a goodass jumpshot. He immortal bro
+G1Pro Yao had an 89, and because of his height, he could easily score over anyone.
I dont agree. AI was. No crossover needed. Just press turbo and you're at the rim.
one of the best center's ever to play the game bro
Yao Ming is great !
ya he was good for the 10 games he played
Or maybe it was 486 games. This doesn't count the games in played in China or the Olympics.
AUSTON SPLATPOO disrespectful
Dman Manley wtf are you smoking doesnt get mentioned in centers
Yao ming is a Texan and a rocket for life...Hey kevin durant..what are you?
At the bay bout to get that ring
Chinese people have a very developed sense of loyalty
hook em \../
You bet. Take a look at the tattoo on Allen Iverson's neck, which is a Chinese character. That means loyalty.
what about E John Liang
I love Dikembe because every time he laughs it looks like its the new best moment of his life.
Flacko so true
Such a humble guy ... Shame his career ended too soon
14 years isn't that short of a career and all for one team, truly impressive if you ask me
? He was only in the league for 8 years
@蔡英文 he played at the age of 17 though and for 5 years not 6 it is a short career when you hang up the boots at the age of 30 most players like 90% of them retire at 35 years old and up he got so many left in the tank but injuries killed his career.
@蔡英文 yes because if he didnt then he will end up either in prison or way worse.... chinese govement dont allow anyone to skip their games its a tyrant country if we are honest. Thats why he lives in the US right now much more healthy state and all.
Kratos27 you are by far the stupidest person I have met
That practice joke was FIRE LOLOL
He's Only 35 if he's healthy probably he's still a starting C allstar!
that won't happen but yea
He could've been putting up 19 and 12 RN
Holy shit. 35??? Damn injuries suck. This man was so skilled for his size. Two way player. Great offensively and defensively.
ummmm no....he had issues with his knees...
+Schwag Music it was his ankle
This speech low key made me shed some tears, he's such a humble man.
I just smoked a bowl and cried through this whole thing. Yao is a legend
I was tearing up at the end too. Beautiful words about stars in the galaxy. Wish I had a bowl, was doing dishes😂😢
Yao should be held in the highest regard on and off the court. I wish he never got hurt. Glad the committee got him in, but he would've been one of the greatest of all time.
It's such a shame. If he wasn't plagued by injuries he would've been so much better. But he's done so much off the court in terms of promoting basketball. He made basketball way more popular in China. Tons of respect for Yao!
Van Grandy and Rick Adelman ran his foot through the hardwood. I forgive them but the effect on his career was not right.
Not to mention he was already seriously injured and then China made him play as well.
that was funny when he said his daughter was not there because she chose soccer over basketball
Yao is hell of an intelligent guy. His English improved from 0- till this in a few years. Craziness.
Great Wall Great Speech
Cant wait for americas wall
+Ryan Mills won't happen, trump won't be President foh
lol so stupid it's hilarious
This comment section doesn't aged well
le Mitchell oh god
Great Speech Yao. Bros deep voice sounds like a black dude. U can tell he learned English in Houston. Shoutout H-Town, the land of big booties! !!!
this made me laugh so hard. lmao
+Adam Krinsky lmmfao. only cuz its true & u know it!
Lol
+Anthony Brown Everything is bigger in Texas, lol.
+Justin Romero yea thats whay I heard. this Cali native has only been to Houston. is Dallas the same as H-Town?
Can't tell if it's a roast or a speech
Why not both
well, cool, kobe....
shut up kobe.
Cuz I need a more practice then him
His English was great. And even though he fucked up some parts he didn't even break a sweat. Most people would be melting.
Better than Ichiro. lol
He is still a little nervous that's why
Mad props to Yao for this really. Definitely wasn't easy to be the first speaker for someone whose English is only their 2nd language. Good on the audience for applauding him for when he admitted his English wasn't great.
Love Yao. His speech came from his heart!
So true. I could never stand up and give a speach in Chinese for 15 minutes in front of that big an audience, even if you gave me the next 20 years to learn.
As a Rockets fan since 1972, I was honored he was on my favorite team, what a GREAT player. WM
Yeah
#Rocketsquad #Weregonnamakethe6seedbutnoonebelievesus
Hahaha, good one!
greatest rocket of all time
+Unidragosisisis I would put him top five, but Hakem is no 1
Excellent speech. Congrats Yao!
As A San Antonio Spurs Fan, I hated him when he played because he was so damn good and would block shots from Timmy. Pissed me off. At the same time I felt for Houston When I heard he was force to Quit due to Medical reason. Dude was damn good and He needs to be in the HOF. I felt the same way about Kobe at the time, but when they are gone, they are gone and the deserve Respect.
you are a real fan,
Rockets fan for life, but when the Spurs came to town or on tv always would watch because Duncan and the Spurs would make it a great game!
This comment hits hard now
dam g he gone now :(
Houston Rocket Legend
+Kenny McCormick You ARE joking, right?
+Tre Douglas no he's a fucking legend. 20 and 10 his whole career injuries fucked him up. but yao was a dog.
i think he is a legend as a asia player，although he did not win the championship
+# Jumpoutheface Sorry, my response wasn't to Yao's legend status. I'm from H-Town, been a fan since twin towers and Calvin Murphy. Yao is cool. My response was to what somebody said about Dwight Howard. I told folks long time ago that dude is too soft and needs his lower body to catch up to his upper body. Rockets will continue to lose with that dude, he has no killer instinct at all.
Tre Douglas if u actually look a Dwight's stats. He is a legend. 21.2 ppg and 12.2rpg 2.5bpg a game. And remember when he was with the magic. Dwight used to be that nigga. I hope he does well in ATL which he most likely will.
I really want some more centers over 7'5 in the nba
not many people are above 7 foot let alone 7'5
and can hoop
Bol Bol coming soon.....
Most big men that are over 7 foot are very weak and can't move or dribble at all that's why it is amazing that yao did it the way he did
It's amazing to be that tall and coordinated. 7 footers who can shoot always amaze me
Houston Texan and Rocket for life. Damn Yao... The city of HTOWN loves and misses you too!
He's 35. Fuck man.. what if..
Could have been the greatest ever if he had the gift of longevity like a Tim Duncan. But, Tim wasn't 7'6, so that is probably why he lasted longer.
And plus the Rockets and China played him into the ground, which just worsen his knees and foot.
lol not the greatest ever, but he could have been far greater if he wasn't injury prone, and he had longevity.
If he didn't have to play for China in the offseason he might still be playing in a limited role. The Rockets could've still had him when they acquired Harden to run the pick-and-roll. Yao was also a great shooter capable of knocking down 3s. He could've been an even better version of Marc Gasol.
Shaq’s face after he said “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” lol. Love the props given here. So much mutual admiration and respect.
LOL Bill Walton dressed for the training
I'm a Filipino, my country is at odds with China over a territorial dispute right now. But as a ball player and a fan I would like to give my respect to the greatest Basketball player to come out of Asia. Yao Ming!
frankly speaking,Your country will lost those islands. You have to know that China is A big country. it can make nuclear weapon and aircraft carrier. So I don't think your country will win.
But to be fair its not only the Philippines its Japan/Vietnam/Philippines/USA vs China. Honestly the island war is very stupid and not even worth it.
As a Chinese, I can't agree more with you. Those territory disputes have been there for years and China hopes to put the disputes aside and develop those areas together with Japan/Vietnam/Philippines/USA. The land war is silly and that's why we love Yao Ming & basketball so much!
Chinese here. I honestly don't give a damn about whom those islands will belong to eventually. Like Qu said, territorial disputes are silly.
+wisdomleader85 Unfortunately, greedy leaders are so desperate for those lands.
Coming from a poor country, Nepal my parents could only afford to buy 1 jacket for 2 if not 3 winters. I was playing basketball casually in school and had no idea about foreign basketball scene like NBA. One winter my mom bought me a jacket with huge Yao Ming picture in the back. I was like, wow this is soo cool. That was my first exposure to NBA. Just a jacket with his picture influenced me a lot to love and enjoy playing basketball even more. He will always have special place in my heart and memory.
Yao's English is awesome
did you know that they are taught english in school. like from pre-school. they are taught it but they cant speak it too well, unless they come here.
+Black Light no man when he was in school no one taught him English
+Black light please don't talk about stuff you don't know about.
ApexProductions * so english isnt a requirement in china? i know that because of him.
+Black Light in hongkong i believe they teach it. I'm from mainland and we don't have that requirement. At least 10 years ago we didn't.
if a mirror is made of bronze, one can dress properly; if the mirror is history, one can predict ups and downs; if the mirror is people, one can reflect on one's weakness and strength. = With copper as mirror,you can dress properly; with history as mirror,you can know rise and decline well; with other people as mirror,you can see gain and lost clearly. 以铜为镜，可以正衣冠；以史为镜，可以知兴衰；以人为镜，可以明得失
Yao is the one who not only represents a Chinese giant 7‘’6 baller, but also for those international young talents that desire to play in NBA. He never got involved into a fight or trash talking thur his entire career, but focused on carrying Rocket...What a humble and smart man, 100% respect
I've always thought of Bill Russell as the hokage of nba big men, and now Yao Ming is one as well, congrats.
Ahahhaahahah hell yeah. Bill Russell and Wilt are the First and Second Hokage (You can argue who is who lol). Although Bill as the Third would be more accurate in terms of appearance lol.
Does this make Shaq the Raikage/Mizukage or something
I am bic pentameter Shaq is definitely the Raikage loool. Tsuchikage is Tim Duncan (even though he's not a C but he played for a long time)
Stfu weeaboo
+Jimmy Cen says the guy with the anime pfp
my favorite big man of all time
Bravo!! As Chinese people, we are sooooo proud of you and thank you for all those wonderful high school memories (for my generation), Yao Ming!!
Yao Ming has been my all-time favorite basketball player since he was drafted. He wasn't just fun to watch, with his giant frame, yet smooth, effortless post moves and shooting touch. He was funny, humble, and respectful. He played the game like it should be played. No showboating, no dancing, no mean-mugging, just showed up to his job, worked hard, and had fun. I could not be happier that Yao is now a Hall of Famer.
Yao is an international boss for real. He is alot bigger of an entity that alot of people truly realize. Really nice guy, but you wont finesse him.
Admirable man. Courageous, gentle, intelligent, funny.
nothing more america than a man from china giving his hof speech in english.. wtg yao you deserve this night
Yao Ming let me know and watch the NBA, Now 10 years later, I still remember the name of the Rockets players,like Francis, Mutombo, Tracy McGrady, Scola, etc., although Yao Mi combination did not create a miracle, but still Is a good memory!Thank you,Yao!
that rocket team is way better than the rocket team today.
Alston, Battier, Hayes, Howard, Wells
it's too bad Francis is fucking crazy now
that is debatable, but a great team nonetheless
Yao and TMac era was an unforgettable time in my life where I fell in love with the game of bball, many people in Houston believed that these 2 players will bring us a championship that we were waiting for but the injury hurt us every time in the crucial moments in the playoffs run but I respect Yao and TMac as players and they gave all out on the court so I'm still happy even though as fans our dreams didn't come true but you and TMac are going to be HOF players.... Repping Houston Rockets, Texans, Astros, Dynamos for life... Htown StandUp
Dynamo not dynamos
they had a real good chance in 2007 and 2008. shame they both got injured.. but those houston teams were niiiice
I love H-town
@@srijeshpanth789 They have chance when health together in 2005, but NBA and refs got them dirty in Dallas playoff
Yao Ming was an 8x All-Star and averaged like 18.2 ppg, so he is definitely a legend now. Congratulations to Yao Ming.
It's a pressure seeing an athletic 7'6 man that can shoot and actually make plays. He was a treat on both ends of the floor, it's carzy.
It is Yao who let the entire China know NBA.Under his impact , billions teenagers start to play basketball including me! People start to buy Kobe's posters, James's shoes, T-mac's Jersey and to know America! He is the most impactive basketball player in China ever and now he is trying his best to help reforming CBA for every player best interest in China even in Asian. Do not say Yao does't deserve it if U guys don't know how big influence that Yao did in China , Asian. I know Yao, technically, is not better than Shq but he is NOT bad. OPEN YOUR EYES then talk!
The Chinese GOAT One of the greatest Rockets and big men of all time 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Imagine not being able to speak a word of English and not only can he speak it well, he can express himself, show his humorous personality and use some complex phrases. Very impressive.
He looks so nervous hahaha. Love you big man.
practice joke on point! killed it!
At this stage, he never forgot to mention and thank Wang Zhizhi, that's why I admire Yao so much!
... and who the hell is Wang Zhizhi !
marechavala1 he forgot to mention Mengke Bateer, Liu Wuedong
marechavala1 I am late, but Wang is the first Chinese player ever that was in the NBA and was a great brother to Yao, and he helped and guided Yao a lot to the NBA.
I never heard of him, but that was cool
Yao Ming deserved to be honored....A great big man with a good shooting touch. Also brought the game internationally to Asia.
Everyone from China are proud of you, YAO MING!!!
classy, humble man
bro my niggga yao keeping it real reppin his set
One of the greatest speeches of all time hands down! Humble!!!GLORY TO THE LAMB BLESSINGS FOREVER!
Yao's first game in cleveland. his rookie year. I was there. So many asian people were at the game. One old asian man ran on the court during shoot around to say hi to him. Then the man got back in his seat. Nobody saw that but me and Yao lol. True story but sorry, im sure there isnt any footage.
Awesome.
his wife is soooo cute and elegant..
dude had the most populated nation in the world glued to their tvs watching him play.. he dominated in the short career he had too. definitely worthy of a spot in the hall
A speech that had broken English gave one of the most wholesome HoF speeches ever. Particularly his parting. That was brilliant. Congrats, Yao, and to all the 2016 HoF.
taking shots at AI Dikembe and Shaq love it. I was waiting for him to tell the story of when he first talked to Shaq and Shaq said he didn't know Yao knew English. "Shaq you never talk to me....." priceless
11:42 I saw tears in Shaq's eyes. Missing old days?
This Speech was probably the best.
such a class act. deserves every bit of the hall of fame and the further success he will achieve as an ambassador of basketball. love watching him play
When he first got to Houston, he didn’t speak any English, while he played for the Rockets, he had a translator on & off the court, he understand words of English, but couldn’t speak it. He played basketball without knowing English now he’s so much better. He’s very humble, nice and loyal to the rockets teammates. He deserves HOF way to go Yao
Ai, shaq, yao... Only 23 but feel old as fuck watching them in the HOF. Pure Legends. Game changers on/off.
Yao was a sensation not just in China, but in the whole Asia. I remember when he played the Asian cup, the opposing team asked to take a photo just with Yao right before the game started.
The tallest Basketball Hall of Famer.....
isnt manute in the hall if not... i dont know if he should be i mean he's kinda like yao's case as he changed basketball for the world and that's why he's in the hall not really for his career
trust me yao had a great career it was just so short
Yao is the goat
Heart felt speech ❤️❤️ so genuine ❤️❤️
Love yao 💜
A deserving honor for Yao Ming. He did a lot for the game of basketball, opening up a lot of doors for many international players.I remember when Yao first came in the league and just watched how much things had changed for basketball in that span. He was an ambassador for getting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and helping to contribute to the games. Even though he had some injuries, still very deserving of getting in the Hall due to his contributions as well as his play which was top notch, if I could ever pick a few guys out of the early to late 2000's that were, Yao's on that list along with Shaq and it's kind of cool both go in together.
姚明，作为你的同胞我感觉真自豪！！！！Perfect speech!!!
Smart guy and it was reflected in the way he played. He also had one of the best shooting touches for a big man. Sad to see his career cut so short, but I'm glad they put him in the HOF because his talent deserved it.
Big Yao much love my guy
Yao Ming’s career has been in the Rockets. He is probably the only one with his height and such versatile basketball skills. Thanks to the NBA platform for letting fans all over the world know that he is a humble and hardworking person. Thanks also to Yao Ming. He has contributed his meager strength to the development of the global basketball career. There is no shortage of stars in all sports. You are full of positive energy, O'Neal, Iverson, thank you for bringing wonderful games to fans around the world. Thanks 🙏
Still remember his Rockets time and it was back in my school time. In my hometown (China), NBA games usually were at the morning school time but so many boys (and even girls) (especially when I was in my uni) escaped from classrooms so they could watch TV live broadcasting in the dorms (to watch Yao Ming & Rockets game). And back in 2008 everyone were crazy about the Rockets' 22 winning streak. Yao Ming is a great man & player and definitely a super star!
I'm proud of Yao, and he deserves all this. He's done so much for the globalization of the game.
Much love for Yao, thank you for all that you have done, the basketball world will never forget you.
So many ignorant people saying Yao doesn't deserve this honor. Y'all know nothing about basketball and need to get educated before stating something as absurd as " Yao doesn't deserve this."
Yao clear as day hof player, hof person.
The only people saying Yao doesn't deserve it are ignorant people that NEVER watch basketball. Us real sports guys laugh at those comments. Those people are not into sports. They are just a bunch of fucking nerds that get bullied by jocks. Lol. They should just do us all a favor and end their existence. No one likes those people.
@@franchiseowner1668 The only people who say Yao doesn't deserve it are the same people saying "hE juSs tALL", or says "sHaqS juSs BiG".... these people don't know jack about basketball and thinks it's about chucking up 3 pointers. jokes.
miss this big guy in Rockets home court, Yao&T-mac
"A Texan and a Houston Rocket for Life!" #texasforever
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose
I'm from Houston...Tao was great to watch...not only he was a good player he was a huge ambassador to the NBA....if it wasn't for his injuries I think he probably would've won a title...we still love him in Houston... Congratulations Yao!!
I was already in tears,before yao opened his mouth.he is a super human being.he will be always remembered in the nba world,being the first Asian man to be inducted in the Hall of Fame!
I love this man, I feel a great amount of regret that I didn't appreciate him enough while he was playing.
When I first started basketball was that trioI he first named , mobely, Francis and Yao! They made me fall in love with basketball and knowing they were my hometown team made me even more proud , he was so unstoppable . Never forget those memories, thanks Yao
Yao is such an humble nice giant. Best NBA player over 7.4. Feel sorry for him. He suffered from injuries. Great movement and reaction time for a guy this huge. Love you my fellow Comrade Yao
Yao's got jokes
Great Speech, Yao!
this is the first time i hear him speak and it was great.
The cheers for his English gave me chills. So awesome what he has accomplished in so little time
Love you Yao! You’re a Houstonian, Rocket, and Texan for life! Beautiful speech.