Yao originally enrolled in 2011 as an economics major. He gave a speech at the ceremony and informed the crowd of how he nearly dropped out of school at one point due to the difficulty of his math classes.
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Fortunately for Yao, he stuck through it and is now a college graduate. This adds to his successful career on and off the hardwood.
Yao was with the Rockets from 2002-2011, making 8 All-Star Game appearances and having his #11 retired by the organization.
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He also has a restaurant "YAO Restaurant and Bar."
Since retiring, Yao became a global ambassador for the NBA, helping promote the game in China. He is also a big reason the country has adopted the Rockets as a rooting favorite.
Congrats, Yao!