Yao Ming: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers

Download Yao Ming: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781541225268
Total Pages : 124 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (252 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers by : Clayton Geoffreys

Download or read book Yao Ming: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2016-12-19 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Houston Rockets' Legendary Center Yao Ming! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Yao Ming: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest ambassadors, Yao Ming. Yao Ming was the face of the Houston Rockets franchise alongside Tracy McGrady. Throughout the 2000s, the duo led the Rockets in a tough Western Conference. While Yao ultimately was forced to retire early due to injuries, the impact he left on the game at an international level was profound. Yao served in many ways as the bridge for the NBA to gain a viewership in China. Millions would tune into Rockets games to watch the dominant center overpower his peers. In this short unauthorized biography, you'll learn Yao's inspirational story into the league. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Years Chinese Basketball Association Career and Yao's Road to the NBA NBA Career Entering the Draft, Rookie Season, The Rise of Yao Ming Teaming Up with T-Mac, The Injury-Plagued Seasons, the Falling Great Wall The Return from Injury, Breaking Past the First Round Missing an Entire Season Short-lived Return, Final NBA Season Yao Ming's International Career Yao Ming's Personal Life Yao Ming's Impact on Basketball Yao Ming's Legacy An excerpt from the book: The east and the west have always been worlds apart in every aspect. Culturally, Eastern countries have always been a lot different from their western. People eat different food, wear different clothes, speak different languages, and have various views about life in general. In the world of sports, the gap only grows larger. Eastern countries enjoy soccer and cricket among other sports, compared to the Americans who prefer basketball and football. However, one man dared to cut the gap between the east and the west, particularly in basketball as his larger-than-life frame acted as the bridge between the two different worlds. Yao Ming is the sole reason that basketball became the language which united the sporting worlds of the east and the west. Historically in China, the Great Wall was constructed to protect the nation's capital from foreign invasion. As long as the Great Wall stood, the country remained secure and harmonious, safe from any outside interference or influence that could have disrupted the people's daily lives. However, the great wall called Yao, as tall and as long as he is, did not shield the country of China away from the foreign influence of basketball. Instead, the wall opened its gates up and allowed a bridge to be created between China and the United States as far as basketball was concerned. The sport has never been as popular in China as it is today thanks to the influences of Yao Ming. While Yao has long acted as a basketball ambassador of Asia to other Western countries, he was a dominated figure in the game itself, just as the Great Wall of China stood as a symbol of strength and dominance for the great eastern powerhouse. From the moment he first stepped foot on an NBA court, and to the final second he played in the league, Yao was always a towering and fearsome figure in the game of basketball. Tags: Yao Ming Bio, Yao Ming basketball, Houston Rockets basketball, tracy mcgrady, shaq, yi jianlian, jeremy lin, allen iverson, michael jordan, kobe bryant, shawn bradley, dikembe mutombo

Operation Yao Ming

Download Operation Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 1101216611
Total Pages : 352 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (12 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Operation Yao Ming by : Brook Larmer

Download or read book Operation Yao Ming written by Brook Larmer and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2005-11-03 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The riveting story behind NBA giant Yao Ming, the ruthless Chinese sports machine that created him, and the East-West struggle over China’s most famous son. The NBA’s 7‘6" All-Star Yao Ming has changed the face of basketball, revitalizing a league desperate for a new hero while becoming a multimillionaire pitchman for Reebok and McDonald’s. But his journey to America—like that of his forgotten foil, 7‘1" Wang Zhizhi—began long before he set foot on the world’s brightest athletic stage. Operation Yao Ming opens with the story of the two boys’ parents, basketball players brought together by Chinese officials intent on creating a generation of athletes who could bring glory to their resurgent motherland. Their children would have no more freedom to choose their fates. By age thirteen, Yao was pulled out of sports school to join the Shanghai Sharks pro team, following in the footsteps of Wang, then the star of the People’s Liberation Army team. Rumors of the pair of Chinese giants soon attracted the NBA and American sports companies, all eager to tap a market of 1.3 billion consumers. In suspenseful scenes, journalist Brook Larmer details the backroom maneuverings that brought China’s first players to the NBA. Drawing on years of firsthand reporting, Larmer uncovers the disturbing truth behind China’s drive to produce Olympic champions, while also taking readers behind the scenes of America’s multibillion-dollar sports empire. Caught in the middle are two young men—one will become a mega-rich superstar and hero to millions, the other a struggling athlete rejected by his homeland yet lost in America.

Yao

Download Yao PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Miramax Books
ISBN 13 : 9781401359836
Total Pages : 332 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (598 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao by : Yao Ming

Download or read book Yao written by Yao Ming and published by Miramax Books. This book was released on 2005-09-14 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2002, Yao Ming became the NBA's first foreign #1 draft pick and a media sensation. Sports writer Ric Bucher was the only American reporter with unrestricted access to Yao's first year in the NBA. Now available in paperback, Yao: A Life in Two Worlds captures Yao's private story and traces his remarkable journey from Chinese success story to international icon. Whether winning over skeptical teammates, or treading lightly with ever-watchful Chinese officials, Yao reveals the many challenges he has faced with delicacy and humor. Spanning sports, politics, business, and popular culture, Yao's fascinating memoir reveals the humble, profoundly likeable young man behind the myth.

Shaquille O'Neal: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers

Download Shaquille O'Neal: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781974560974
Total Pages : 146 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (69 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Shaquille O'Neal: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers by : Clayton Geoffreys

Download or read book Shaquille O'Neal: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2017-08-13 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Los Angeles Lakers' Legend Shaquille O'Neal! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Shaquille O'Neal: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest centers, Shaquille O'Neal. Often nicknamed "Shaq" or "The Diesel", O'Neal left an indelible mark on the center position. His incredible power and athleticism made him a practically unstoppable presence on both the offensive and defensive ends of the basketball court. It's no surprise O'Neal concluded his career a four-time NBA Champion. He was such a unique generational talent who could immediately change the course of a game. In this book, we'll learn more about Shaq's journey into the NBA, his impact on the game, and his legacy as one of the best to ever play at the center position. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School Career College Career at LSU Shaq's Illustrious NBA Career: From Starting in Orlando, Achieving a Three-Peat in LA, to Bringing Miami the Championship International Career Post-Retirement Career Personal Life O'Neal's Impact and Legacy on Basketball An excerpt from the book: The NBA has had its share of dominant players that could lord over defenders and push around grown men inside the paint with ease. As they say, the NBA is a big man's league, and some of the best players the league has ever seen were among the greatest and most dominant men to have ever set foot on a hard wood floor. And wherever those dominant players went, success would usually follow. One of the NBA's pioneering dominant players was George Mikan, who played for what was then the Minneapolis Lakers back in the 50's. At 6'10" and 250 pounds, Mikan would not be considered one of the biggest players in today's era. But back then, he was already among the largest in the league. Nobody could stop him in the paint on his way to five NBA titles. The first truly dominant player in league history was Wilt Chamberlain. Standing above seven feet tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds of lean muscle mass, "Wilt the Stilt" used his height and strength advantage to bully players down under the basket. Chamberlain was rumored to be so strong that he could easily lift a man over 200 pounds using only one arm. He even once dunked the ball so hard that it broke an opposing player's toe. All of this strength and size were vital for Wilt Chamberlain to score 100 points in a single game. He even averaged over 50 points a game during one season while holding five of the top ten scoring averages in a single season. He was a man among boys back in the 60's era. Wilt would end up with two NBA titles, which he won during the twilight years of his career. During the 80's and 90's, Karl Malone would use his bodybuilder strength and muscle to push opposing power forwards around when he bulled his way to easy baskets inside the paint. Because of how well-conditioned and dominant of a player Malone was, he was able to stay active until the age of 40. Eventually, Malone finished second in most points ever scored in a career. Sadly, Malone was always the bridesmaid to Michael Jordan's bride as he would never win an NBA championship during his era. Tags: Shaquille O'Neal Bio, Shaq basketball, Los Angeles Lakers basketball, Miami Heat basketball, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson

The Tao of Yao

Download The Tao of Yao PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Almond Tree Books
ISBN 13 : 9780972920803
Total Pages : 188 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (28 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Tao of Yao by : Ming Yao

Download or read book The Tao of Yao written by Ming Yao and published by Almond Tree Books. This book was released on 2003 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Houston, I am come." These were the words that came via satellite from Shanghai on June 26, 2002, resounding with Wagnerian force. They came from the mouth of an enigmatic, 7-foot-5 Chinese giant named Yao Ming who, moments earlier, had been selected by the Houston Rockets with the very first pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Since that day, the biggest sports hero to the most populous nation in the world has attracted a great deal of attention from Western basketball fans, writers and reporters alike. He has been referred to by many as "the Michael Jordan of Chinese basketball," causing one Rockets insider to demur. To the people of China, he remarked, "[h]e's Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Babe Ruth all rolled into one." Yao's play on the court earned him this renown; yet he is also known as a gentle spirit who liked to ride his bicycle to his games in Shanghai. David Hardisty, Webmaster of the popular Rockets fan site, ClutchCity.net, explains the public's fascination with Yao's off-the-court life and manner this way: "We want to know because we want to be able to say that he's an easy guy to like, but nobody really has any idea what the real Yao Ming is like." The Tao of Yao provides both the dyed-in-the-wool fan and the merely curious with an unprecedented window into the life and mind of the quiet yet fiercely competitive rookie sensation - through his own words, as expressed in numerous interviews and meetings with the press and his fans. It also provides fascinating insight into how Yao is seen by others, both inside and outside the league.

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Marshall Cavendish
ISBN 13 : 9780761417583
Total Pages : 56 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (175 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : Michael Bradley

Download or read book Yao Ming written by Michael Bradley and published by Marshall Cavendish. This book was released on 2005 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discusses the personal life and basketball career of the Houston Rockets centre.

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Scholastic
ISBN 13 : 9780439591089
Total Pages : 40 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : John Hareas

Download or read book Yao Ming written by John Hareas and published by Scholastic. This book was released on 2003-10-01 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A biography of one of the tallest players in the National Basketball Association follows him from his boyhood in China to his arrival in the United States and his first season with the Houston Rockets.

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : LernerClassroom
ISBN 13 : 0761338934
Total Pages : 36 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (613 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : Jeff Savage

Download or read book Yao Ming written by Jeff Savage and published by LernerClassroom. This book was released on 2009-01-01 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A brief look into the life and career of basketball player Yao Ming.

Bill Russell: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers

Download Bill Russell: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781798595503
Total Pages : 144 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (955 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Bill Russell: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers by : Clayton Geoffreys

Download or read book Bill Russell: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2019-03-03 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Boston Celtics' Legendary Center, Bill Russell! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device. Limited time offer: If you buy the print edition, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself! In Bill Russell: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's greatest players of all time, Bill Russell. In his thirteen-year career, Bill Russell accomplished what many NBA players today would dream of. He was an eleven-time champion, twelve-time All-Star, and five-time Most Valuable Player. He won the MVP award so many times that the league renamed the trophy after him in 2009! Even today, his accomplishments stand among the basketball elite in pedigree. It'd be difficult to envision another player achieving the stat sheet that Bill Russell was able to when he played the game. Pick up this unauthorized biography today to learn the inspiring story behind Bill Russell. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School and College Career Getting Drafted, Rookie Season, First NBA Championship First MVP Season, the Calm Before the Dynasty The Dawn of a Dynasty, Wilt Chamberlain's Arrival, Dominating the NBA Championship Meeting Wilt in the Finals, Winning Eight Straight Titles, The Playing Coach, Losing to Wilt, The End of the Streak Return to the Top of the NBA, Bill Russell's Final Seasons, After Retirement Bill Russell's Personal Life Impact on Basketball Legacy and Future An excerpt from the book: In the world of basketball or any other competitive sport for that matter, winning is everything. More often than not, fans and history only remember those who have won. The world knows how to celebrate winners by putting them at the apex when it comes to the greatest achievers in the history of basketball. After all, winning a championship is the ultimate goal and the primary purpose of anyone playing the sport. In its long history, the NBA has seen its share of winners. We have immortalized Michael Jordan as arguably the single greatest player in league history primarily because of his six championships. Players such as Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant belong in that category. And nobody could ever discredit what Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, whose respective teams dominated the championship scene in the '80s, did as individual players and winners. However, when it comes to winning, nothing in the history of the NBA or even basketball is as synonymous with championships as Bill Russell's name. Bill Russell is the single most dominant player in all of basketball as far as winning championships is concerned. With 11 championships under his belt, no other all-time great player has ever come close to his accomplishments as a winner. Yes, even championships greats such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson were never close to what Russell achieved concerning NBA titles. As the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics in the late '50s up to the '60s, Bill Russell can be considered that team's first true franchise star. While the Celtics had Bob Cousy, it was Bill Russell's toughness as the franchise center that made that team one of the first dynasties in league history. His toughness down in the middle and his nature as a leader was what paved the way for the Boston Celtics' success during those years. Tags: Bill Russell Bio, Boston Celtics basketball, greatest basketball players of all time, wilt chamberlain, hakeen olajuwon, kareem abdul-jabbar, larry bird, jerry west

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
ISBN 13 : 9781404255388
Total Pages : 28 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (553 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : Therese M. Shea

Download or read book Yao Ming written by Therese M. Shea and published by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book was released on 2005-12-15 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discusses the personal life and basketball career of the Houston Rockets center.

Inspiring Basketball Stories For Kids - Fun, Inspirational Facts & Stories For Young Readers

Download Inspiring Basketball Stories For Kids - Fun, Inspirational Facts & Stories For Young Readers PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781923168237
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (682 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Inspiring Basketball Stories For Kids - Fun, Inspirational Facts & Stories For Young Readers by : Falcon Focus

Download or read book Inspiring Basketball Stories For Kids - Fun, Inspirational Facts & Stories For Young Readers written by Falcon Focus and published by . This book was released on 2023-12-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ever wondered how high Stephen Curry can leap toward stardom? Want to know what it takes to craft a legacy like Kobe's? Or how a high school prodigy like LeBron James becomes an NBA icon? Inside Inspiring Basketball Stories For Kids, you'll be immersed in: Stephen Curry's Rise to Stardom: Discover how Curry, once overlooked, became one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Kobe Bryant's Work Ethic: Learn about the Mamba Mentality and how Kobe's relentless drive and dedication inspired athletes everywhere. LeBron James: From High School Phenom to NBA Superstar: Follow the journey of LeBron from a high school sensation to an NBA legend. The Story of Yao Ming: Explore how Yao Ming broke barriers and became a bridge between the NBA and China, leaving a global impact. The Legend of Michael Jordan: Delve into the story of Michael Jordan, whose determination and skill turned him into one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Each story is a blend of fun facts and motivational moments that highlight the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Inspiring Basketball Stories For Kids is perfect for young fans of the game, aspiring players, or any child who loves a great story of triumph and dedication. This book is more than just about basketball; it's a source of motivation and a tribute to the joy and passion of the sport. Grab a copy now and embark on an exciting journey through the world of basketball, filled with inspiring stories and unforgettable legends!

The Tao of Yao

Download The Tao of Yao PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Frog Books
ISBN 13 : 9781583940907
Total Pages : 274 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (49 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Tao of Yao by : Oliver Clyde Chin

Download or read book The Tao of Yao written by Oliver Clyde Chin and published by Frog Books. This book was released on 2004 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As a basketball player and international spokesman, Yao Ming has quickly become the eighth wonder of the sports world. Amazing fans, players, and experts with both his surprising performance and down-to-earth personality, Yao has proven to be a refreshing font of contemporary wisdom. But perhaps that is because that Yao's words and deeds are deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism.

Long Shot

Download Long Shot PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1416958207
Total Pages : 34 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (169 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Long Shot by : Chris Paul

Download or read book Long Shot written by Chris Paul and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2030-12-31 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Enslow Publishing
ISBN 13 : 9780766024229
Total Pages : 112 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (242 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : Jeff C. Young

Download or read book Yao Ming written by Jeff C. Young and published by Enslow Publishing. This book was released on 2005 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traces the life and accomplishment of Chinese athlete Yao Ming.

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781422207727
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (77 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : Travis Clark

Download or read book Yao Ming written by Travis Clark and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Highlights the life and accomplishments of the Chinese basketball player, who plays for the Houston Rockets and is currently considered the best center playing in the National Basketball Association.

Yao Ming

Download Yao Ming PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780605399570
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (995 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yao Ming by : Jeff C. Young

Download or read book Yao Ming written by Jeff C. Young and published by . This book was released on with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines the life and career of Yao Ming, a National Basketball Association star center drafted out of China in 2002.

Jeremy Lin: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Underdog Stories

Download Jeremy Lin: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Underdog Stories PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781985140998
Total Pages : 138 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (49 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Jeremy Lin: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Underdog Stories by : Clayton Geoffreys

Download or read book Jeremy Lin: the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Underdog Stories written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2018-02-05 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the New Jersey Nets' Point Guard Jeremy Lin! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device. Limited time offer: If you buy the print edition, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself! In Jeremy Lin: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Underdog Stories, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's grittiest point guards, Jeremy Lin. Once left with few options than sleeping on a teammate's couch, Jeremy Lin has had an incredible journey to get to where he is today as a highly capable starting point guard. Most known for his impressive performance in February through March of 2012, Jeremy Lin has since solidified himself as a top point guard in the league. Despite his successes, Jeremy Lin remains incredibly humble and a role model for aspiring basketball players around the world. He has become a global icon, especially within the Asian American community. In this unauthorized biography, you'll learn the story of what makes Jeremy so great and why it should be no surprise why he is successful today. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School and College Career Getting Drafted, Detour to the NBA, Rookie Season, The Birth of Linsanity, Skyrocketing with the Rockets The Short Stop in Los Angeles, Linsanity to Charlotte, The Injury Years in Brooklyn Personal Life Impact on Basketball Legacy and Future An excerpt from the book: What makes the world of professional sports beautiful is that everyone goes through a unique journey towards relevance and stardom. The path towards the life of a professional athlete, particularly in the NBA, takes many forms and shapes. Others have had it easy since they were young. Some showed potential early on but could not live up to it. And there are even some that never showed any hint of greatness within them but would eventually turn out to be better than advertised. Because journeys differ, not everyone gets to experience the full-frontal media-exposed life towards stardom that heralded basketball stars such as Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James had ever since they showed potential for stardom at an early age. Similarly, not everyone goes through the process of long-term development that late-blooming players such as Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Draymond Green have had to undergo. But there are those types of journeys that are as rare as they come. One case in point was how Jeremy Lin was able to make a name for himself in the NBA when the rest of the league thought he was merely a novelty player. Born in the United States to Taiwanese parents, Jeremy Lin is as Asian as they come, but grew up as an American. With that in mind, Lin was practically a basketball ambassador for Asia, where more than half of the world's population resides. His Taiwanese roots made him a similar player to that of Yao Ming because of how they bridged America with the Asian market. However, what made him more unique was that he was raised in an American setting whereas some of the other international ambassadors of the NBA grew up in their respective home countries. Because of this, Lin became the very first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent that made it as far as the NBA. Tags: Jeremy Lin Bio, Jeremy Lin basketball, Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming, D'Angelo Russell, James Harden, Brook Lopez, Stephen Curry, Carmelo Anthony, Asian American basketball players, Taiwan basketball, Linsanity