The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has been a launching pad for several Chinese players who have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). One of the most notable players to emerge from the CBA is Yao Ming, the former Houston Rockets center.

What happened?

Yao Ming, along with other Chinese basketball stars, competed in the CBA in the early stages of their careers. These players, including Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Yi Jianlian, and Sun Yue, have made significant contributions to the growth of basketball in China.

Why it matters for Yao Ming

Yao Ming's success in the CBA and his subsequent career in the NBA have inspired a new generation of Chinese basketball players. His achievements have helped to raise the profile of the CBA and have paved the way for other Chinese players to follow in his footsteps.

What comes next?

The CBA continues to be a vital part of the development of basketball in China. With the league's growing popularity and the increasing number of Chinese players in the NBA, it will be interesting to see how the CBA evolves in the future.

The CBA has been a launching pad for several Chinese players who have gone on to play in the NBA. Yao Ming, the former Houston Rockets center, is one of the most notable players to emerge from the CBA. He, along with other Chinese basketball stars, competed in the CBA in the early stages of their careers.

Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Yi Jianlian, and Sun Yue are some of the other notable players who have made significant contributions to the growth of basketball in China. These players have helped to raise the profile of the CBA and have paved the way for other Chinese players to follow in their footsteps.

The CBA's success has been a result of the hard work and dedication of its players, coaches, and officials. The league has grown in popularity over the years, and it continues to be a vital part of the development of basketball in China.

The CBA's growth has also been fueled by the increasing number of Chinese players in the NBA. Players like Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Jeremy Lin have helped to raise the profile of Chinese basketball and have inspired a new generation of players.

The CBA's future looks bright, with the league continuing to grow in popularity and the increasing number of Chinese players in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how the CBA evolves in the future and how it will continue to contribute to the growth of basketball in China.

The defending champions from the 2016-17 season were the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.