On Friday, many big players gathered for the nominee announcement. Even among those who loom largest, Yao stands alone as he awaits an honor he didn't even know existed growing up in China.

　　"Honestly, in the early age of my basketball career — I mean, not career, but while I was playing in school — we don't know much about the outside world: in States, hall of fame, those things. We didn't know that until the late '90s, but still that was almost light years away from us."

　　姚明入选NBA名人堂候选名单

　　Back in 2002, after dominating the CBA with the Shanghai Sharks and winning a title, Yao was selected first overall by the NBA's Houston Rockets.

　　It was a moment in NBA history as the Chinese hero brought the association into millions of households, helping to open up a new, huge market.

　　Averaging 19 points and nine rebounds over his injury shortened career Yao is loved and respected by his peers, including Dwyane Wade, who calls Yao "groundbreaking."

　　"He was a heck of a player. You know, a big guy that can shoot the way that he could shoot, that has the touch he had, the footwork he had, and all those things. I mean, he was a big guy to play against. I never got a chance to dunk on him. I tried one time, and I ended up on the ground. But he was just great for our game."

　　Part player, part ambassador, Yao Ming is seen as a bridge between China and the United States, both on and off the court.

　　Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, speaks highly of Yao's role in promoting basketball globally.

　　"We hosted a Special Olympics game today. Again, just an incredible moment. It was Special Olympics basketball players participating with former NBA players, and there was Yao (Ming) coaching on the sidelines and motivating those kids. So I mean, that's who he is. And while he's here, you also mentioned Basketball without Borders. I mean he's truly a global basketball icon."

　　Yao was revealed as a finalist for the hall of fame during All Star Weekend in Toronto on Friday, but the official announcement of his enshrinement into the Hall won't come until early April.

　　If he enters, he will be the first Chinese player to earn such an honour.

　　For CRI, I'm Min Rui.