In Depth With Graham Bensinger Season 7 Episode 5 Yao Ming: In Shanghai with the NBA Hall of Famer
- August 23, 2016
- 21 min
Yao Ming is one of the most recognizable names in basketball, and in this episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger, the NBA Hall of Famer brings viewers to his home city of Shanghai. Throughout the episode, Yao takes Bensinger on a tour of some of his favorite places, reminisces on his basketball career, and discusses his current work in promoting basketball in China.
The episode begins with Bensinger and Yao driving through Shanghai, with Yao pointing out some of his favorite landmarks and reflecting on the city's growth since he was a child. They arrive at a park where Yao used to practice basketball, and he explains how he first fell in love with the sport. From there, the two visit a local restaurant where they sample some Shanghai-style dumplings and chat about Yao's family life.
Throughout the episode, Yao is candid and thoughtful as he discusses his basketball career. He reflects on the challenges he faced as a young player, from convincing his parents to allow him to pursue basketball to acclimating to the NBA as a non-native English speaker. He also describes some of the memorable experiences from his playing days, including his first playoff game and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
At one point in the episode, Yao and Bensinger visit a local basketball court where they're approached by a group of enthusiastic young players. Yao happily joins in their game, giving pointers and encouraging their skills. This segment is a testament to Yao's dedication to promoting basketball in China and his desire to inspire the next generation of players.
Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of Yao's personality and his deep connection to his home country. He speaks passionately about his work as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association and his hope to continue developing the sport in China. He also discusses some of the cultural differences between the US and China, from the way he approaches teaching basketball to the differences in public perception of athletes.
Overall, this episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger provides an intimate look at one of basketball's most legendary figures. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for Yao's impact on the sport and his tireless efforts to promote basketball in China and around the world.