Former No. 1 draft pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Houston Rockets

Former No. 1 draft pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming decided to call it quits on Friday. Yao played roughly seven seasons to start his career, missed 2009-10 and played just five games last season.

Yao Ming fans in China reacted with shock and disbelief when they learned from U.S. media reports yesterday that their basketball idol has decided to retire.

Fans took to the Internet Friday to express their feelings about the basketball star, who plays with the Houston Rockets in the NBA.

Chinese sports writers and fans believe that Yao’s retirement, of course, will happen sooner or later, although they hope it will be later.

They hope the superstar could still play not only in the NBA but for the Chinese national team in the London Olympics next year.

via Cnn.com