One of the world's most famous basketballers is making his way to New Zealand shores.
Former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming will be in attendance as China take on the Tall Blacks in their World Cup qualifying match at Auckland's Spark Arena on Sunday.
Ming will be travelling with a large delegation from China as part of the FIBA 2019 World Cup’s Local Organising Committee, which will hold a number of sessions to see how New Zealand hosts an international basketball event and to foster ideas for the 2019 World Cup.
The No. 1 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Ming was an eight-time All Star and a star for the China national team.
He played against the Tall Blacks twice during his international tenure - at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2002 World Championships in Indiana.
He was also one of the tallest players in league history, standing at a jaw-dropping height of 2.29m (7ft 6in).
He's now the President of the China Basketball Association and an Ambassador of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, which will take place in his home nation.
It's not the first time Ming has visited New Zealand. He and his daughter slipped into the South Island unannounced on holiday in July 2016.
"We've tried to build in some typical Kiwi experiences for them," said LOC Chairman and New Zealander Burton Shipley.
"One of the leaders said he was very keen to see a typical Kiwi barbecue. So, we have organized a barbecue at a Kiwi home to offer a small insight into how New Zealanders live."
The Tall Blacks will tip-off against China at 3pm on Sunday.
Newshub.
