FORMER Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was formally nominated for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in a move that could make him the first Chinese player to receive the honor.

    The Rockets, with which Yao spent nine years from 2002 to 2011, filed the nomination Sunday after The Hall of Fame recently reduced the eligibility requirement from five seasons after retirement to four, according to FOX 26 Sports.

    The rule change opens door to Yao, as well as other NBA legends, notably Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson, all of whom could be inducted in 2016.

    Since drafted by the Rockets in 2002, Yao went on to become the best recognized Chinese face in the league as an eight-time All Star. After injuries hurt his form, the veteran was forced to call an end to his sporting career in July, 2011.

    But retirement didn’t remove the star from the spotlight. Yao, who continued to be China’s global sports brand, remained in news off the court as a wildlife conservation advocate.

    (SD-Agencies)