Yao: A Life in Two Worlds

The Houston Rockets spent the 2001 season's number one draft pick on Yao, a seven-foot, five-inch center from Shanghai, China. Yao's journey to the NBA has been chronicled in his autobiography, "Yao Ming: A Life In Two Worlds". He has proven to be a marketing goldmine for the profit-driven NBA. Yao appeared in a nationally televised Apple Macintosh Computer commercial (alongside the ubiquitous Verne Troyer, "Mini-Me" from Austin Powers) and being billed alternatively as the "Ming Dynasty" or the "Ming Emperor." Ticket sales and merchandising increase dramatically for Houston, trends that began before Yao had ever played a minute in the NBA. On the court, as well, he has made a huge contribution to his franchise. Ed Derse in a January 16, 2003 radio broadcast for American public media stated that "The Rockets, who finished in 2001 near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, now contend for a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive west." Yao's commercial success and basketball skills signal the dawn of a new era in the NBA game. While the league has historically had some international flavor (Nigerian Hakeem Olajuwon, Lithuanian Arvydas Sabonis, and Sudanese Manute Bol being members of the old guard of international competitors in the NBA), the American game is now reaching new heights of global exposure and global presence. Truly, these trends are complimentary in nature. As the NBA acquires more international talent, global citizens from regions that nurtured this new NBA talent become ardent fans and supporters of a specific NBA franchise or simply of the NBA in general. Jon L. Wertheim wrote in a piece for "Sports Illustrated" that these fans buy merchandise, tickets, and a portion of American culture all at the same time." They often go to great lengths to show support for their hometown heroes. The NBA reaches new heights in the era of radio, television, and Internet exposure. "Yao Ming: A Life In Two Worlds" is a first hand account of the ongoing globalization of the NBA.

Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down until I was done .

I wasn't sure how I felt about paying for a biography for someone who had only been in the NBA for 2 seasons, but I'm so glad that I did. This book is wonderful in the way that Yao lets us catch a glimpse of the giant heart that beats within him. It is very real, very open- and I feel that I understand him so much better now. Definitely worth picking up a copy if you're a Yao fan, or even just want a perspective of China from the eyes of probably the most famous Chinese person of them all!

I am just finished this book. It has a great insight of Yao's life and his struggles in going to the NBA, his first allstar and his life as an NBA player. Some funny moments as you would have a peek into his humor and wisdom. What's great about this book is that Yao Ming personally speaks/wrote of himself in the book and most of the person's that know him well shared their insights in the book. The book (including a chapter about his girlfriend, Ye Li) really informs us of Yao's both world . I am now a Yao Ming Fan for life. Definitely worth its price.

You do not have to be a basketball junkie to love this book. Its interesting to read about the language, and culture barriers Yao had to break to be successful in the NBA. Stories from friends, families, coaches , GM's and fellow players are really funny, and gives you some insight on behind-the scenes NBA stuff. Ric Bucher has done an EXCELLENT JOB--blending Yao's words,and perspective, with the words, and perspectives of people in Yao's inner circle. Definitely, one of the better sports biographies ever written. I was really impressed.