via Reuters
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Michael Jordan watches the action by the 11th green during the Four-balls REUTERS/Mike Segar
via Reuters
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Michael Jordan watches the action by the 11th green during the Four-balls REUTERS/Mike Segar
Michael Jordan has a special place in every young basketball player?s heart. While some want to be like Mike, others are inspired by him. However, very few have the opportunity to play at the same court with his Airness. One of them is the astonishingly giant 7ft 6 Chinese basketball player. An old resurfaced clip of the athlete playing in one of Jordan?s basketball camps brought several fond memories to the light.
Let?s take a dive into the 8x NBA All-Star player Yao Ming?s trajectory.
Yao Ming?s foray into the NBA
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In the captivating clip, Yao Ming and Jordan could be seen on the same basketball court. The clip is from 1997 when the 17-year-old athlete participated in Jordan?s Flight School in Santa Barbara. Fans were equally surprised and delighted to see the giant guarding the then 5x NBA champion. Several expressed their disbelief at the comments section. Truly, it was an incredible ?welcome to the NBA? moment for the giant.?
via Getty
HOUSTON – APRIL 26: Center Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets during play against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Then again he had the chance to fight against the Chicago Bulls champion in 2002. The 8x NBA All-Star player was drafted as the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets in that year.?
Fun fact: Yao Ming’s first taste of American hoops was in 1997 at Michael Jordan’s Flight School in Santa Barbara, CA at 17 years old!?
HBD @YaoMing ! pic.twitter.com/axbBLSZbYu
? Naismith Muse (@NaismithMuse) September 12, 2023
He was the most significant player of the franchise leading them to the playoffs 4 times. During his time with the Rockets, he was responsible for the success of the franchise. He was also named the MVP of the FIBA Asia Cup in the years 2001, 2003, and 2005.
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Yao Ming experienced nervousness for the first time
We are not surprised when the athlete said that he never knew the feeling of nervousness until he faced the Bulls? legend Jordan. He candidly shared how he inexplicably felt nervous as he stood next to him at the camp. Apparently, he was so nervous that he even forgot how to shoot and was later eliminated.?
READ MORE: “He Stole From Me?- Denny Hamlin ?Pi**d Off? Over Michael Jordan?s Prodigy?s Bitter Kansas Snub
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In 2002-03, Jordan was playing with the Wizards and was still his old self. While the 3x Fiba Asia Cup MVP could not understand the 6-time champion?s trash-talking because of the language barrier, he could still feel the energy. Did you know about Yao Ming?s game at Jordan?s 1997 camp? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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