Yao Ming Coaching China was Impossible to Miss at Olympics

Robin Lundberg | Jul 29, 2024

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

China and Spain played a thrilling overtime game at the Olympics in Paris. Spain emerged victorious behind a huge performance from Megan Gustafson of the Las Vegas Aces, that despite Los Angeles Sparks center Li Yueru going for 31 points and 15 rebounds herself. But it was a sight on the sidelines that caught the attention of many. Coach Yao Ming.

Yao Ming coaching the Women’s team >>>>>>>> pic.twitter.com/MKAwy8m4tP

— Maybe: Jacoby (@Getthebagcoach) July 28, 2024

Yao's contributions to the coaching staff stood out on the bench given he stood above everyone else. The Basketball Hall of Famer and Houston Rockets legend is listed at 7'6" after all. Yao is no stranger to international competition given he played for China in the Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008. Of course his career was cut short due to a foot injuries that caused him to retire at just 30-years-old in 2011. That after a nearly decade long tenure with the Rockets in the NBA where he averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds.

Yao Ming is part of the coaching staff for the Chinese women's Olympic basketball team 🙌🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/fptc6gvKKd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 28, 2024

Yao has clearly not left basketball alone however as he is still doing his part in his home country. The Chinese women have not been eliminated from Olympic competition due to the loss against Spain, however, they will need to pick a win against Serbia in group play. Either way, when they do take the court again there will be a towering sight on the bench. Given Yao Ming is impossible to miss amongst his fellow coaches and the players that make up the women's basketball team for China at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.