[外絮] Yao nominated for Hall of Fame as co … - 籃球

※ [本文轉錄自 NBA 看板 #1EGWiDIG ]

作者: ripmelo (猿猴兄) 看板: NBA
標題: [外絮] Yao nominated for Hall of Fame as contributor
時間: Wed Aug 10 12:37:28 2011


HOUSTON (AP)—Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming(notes) could enter the
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year—not as a player, but as
a contributor to the game.

John Doleva, the president and CEO of the Hall, said Tuesday that Yao has been
nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be
considered by an international panel. As a contributor, Yao would bypass the
usual five-year waiting period for retired players.

The 7-foot-6 Yao retired in July after leg and foot injuries ended his
eight-year NBA career. The eight-time All-Star averaged 19 points and 9.2
rebounds in the NBA.


He’ll also be remembered for his global impact on the league, almost
single-handedly expanded its reach throughout Asia.

Doleva said a panel of seven “experts on the international game” will
consider Yao’s credentials, and six of the seven will have to approve Yao’s
election. The panel is only allowed to select one individual, and Doleva said
Yao will be facing about 12-15 other candidates for induction next year.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1. Doleva says a member of the Chinese
media contacted him to ask about the categories available for individuals, and
submitted a formal application this week on Yao’s behalf.

“It has to go through the process,” Doleva said. “There is no guarantee when
someone is nominated that they will be elected in their first year. That’s
kind of what makes the process work. The committee takes a look at the pros and
cons.”

Yao can certainly make a compelling argument.

His charisma and popularity helped spike merchandise sales and prompted record
TV ratings for games after the Rockets made him the top overall pick in the
2002 draft. NBA commissioner David Stern called Yao “a transformational player
and a testament to the globalization of our game.”

Yao also donated $2 million to set up a foundation to rebuild schools destroyed
by the earthquake in Sichuan province in May 2008. He carried the Olympic torch
through Tiananmen Square and his country’s flag during the opening ceremonies
at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.


deserves Hall of Fame consideration, not just for his statistics, but for his
unprecedented impact on the game. Van Gundy coached Yao from 2003-07.

“He’s been one of the greatest ambassadors to ever set foot on an NBA floor,”
Van Gundy said. “This guy touched so many people, and really opened doors in
China, not only for himself, but for so many others.”

Doleva said Yao could make more history if he’s inducted as both a contributor
and as a player. He’ll first be eligible as a player with the class of 2017.

“There are examples of people who have been elected as players, and then
elected as coaches,” Doleva said. “But there has never been anyone elected as
a contributor, and then elected as a player or a coach. That’s not to say it
can’t be done, there are no rules against it. But it would be the first time.”

名人堂主席John Doleva昨天說,明年姚明可能就能進名人堂,並非以球員身份,而是表彰他對
國際籃球發展的供獻

http://ppt.cc/T4b(
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--