Is Yao Ming up to wearing two hats?
- By Liang Tao
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E-mail CRI, January 9, 2017
While most people were enjoying the New Year holiday, there was an amazing piece of sports news.
A leading Chinese basketball newspaper reported on Monday that in order to further promote reforms in the sport, the State Sports General Administration had come up with a ten-point plan for the development of basketball in the country, the most eye-catching of which is the plan to invite retired hoops icon Yao Ming to not only be chairman of the China Basketball Association, but also to become head coach of the Chinese men's basketball team.
Over the past year, the administration has dedicated itself to reforms in the sport, doubly so since the appointment of Gou Zhongwen as director last month. In recent years, Chinese football has undergone thorough reforms which have seen China's Super League become one of Asia's top leagues, certainly in terms of player status. So, basketball reform is seen as imperative, especially after the Chinese team's disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and with the CBA league facing huge difficulties.
On the road to Chinese basketball reform, Yao Ming, as the first Chinese player to reach the NBA and now a successful boss of the Shanghai Sharks, is undoubtedly an important figure. Yao Ming's influence and public appeal are priceless assets that other players or officials can't match. Also, Yao Ming has shown he is well disposed towards reform, leading a campaign last year as the initiator of a newly-registered incorporated company tasked with reforming the game's counterproductive administration through a more professional approach. He has shown he is ready to set his sights on a higher goal, to push forward professional reform of the country's basketball game.
But this year will be different. The reforms are being initiated and implemented by the State Sports General Administration, the upper level of the association and much higher than any individuals. And crucially any reforms will be market-oriented. As an NBA All-star player turned manager of a successful top of the table club, 36-year-old Yao Ming has embraced his new role in his post-NBA career. His intimate knowledge of the industry makes him a perfect choice-option to lead the market-oriented reforms. With two CBA titles and the experience of leading China to the final eight, best ever record, in 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, he is undoubtedly a Chinese success story.
As a CBA player turned team owner, with two decades' experience under his belt, Yao Ming has a profound understanding of the needs of players, teams and fans as well as practical insights into the legalities of the sports market. Moreover, the former NBA star, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame early last year, has proved his impact on the globalization of the game. His universal popularity has been a unique advantage in promoting international exchanges and in the expansion of overseas business.
However, looking from the perspective of the national team, and seeing the success of Lang Ping in volleyball and Liu Guoliang in table tennis, the administration undoubtedly has high hopes for Yao Ming. But being CBA chairman is one thing, and national team head coach is another, which perhaps brings greater responsibilities and capabilities. A good player and even a good manager don't always make a good coach. Up to now, Yao hasn't served as an assistant coach, let alone head coach. Is the leadership perhaps rushing into making a rash decision? Perhaps it is not only irresponsible for Yao Ming, but also irresponsible for the country's basketball hopes.
Also, if Yao Ming shoulders these two jobs, there's a danger he might be overwhelmed. A person's energy, after all, is limited. Both chairman and head coach are far from easy jobs, and require considerable resources and wisdom. Moreover, the road ahead for Chinese basketball will undoubtedly be longer and more arduous than either that travelled by volleyball's or table tennis'.
While I support the appointment of Yao Ming as CBA chairman, before the final appointment, there should be a legitimate election process to see whether various clubs vote for the legend. As for the role of head coach, perhaps that should be decided through a more balanced selection to find a better option.
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