Los Angeles (AFP) - The Houston Rockets feted Hall of Famer Yao Ming on Friday, retiring the ground-breaking Chinese star's jersey in an emotional halftime ceremony during their 121-117 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.
Yao was the first overall draft selection in 2002 and the first player drafted number one who didn't play collegiately in the United States.
The 7-foot-6 (2.29m) Chinese giant averaged 19.2 points and nine rebounds for the Rockets and became a global ambassador for the sport during his eight NBA seasons.
He continued promoting the game after he was forced into retirement in 2011 by repeated foot injuries.