The Spain vs. China women's basketball game was one of the best games to start the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Spain's Leonor Rodriguez forced overtime with an impressive 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter. Spain ultimately won in overtime, but that may not have been the biggest takeaway.
Yao Ming was seen on China's bench as an assistant coach for the women's national team. He's easily recognizable since he a 7-6 and a Hall of Fame basketball player. It's hard to miss him, even when he's seated.
Why was Ming coaching the Chinese women's Olympic basketball team? The Sporting News answers that question and more below.
MORE: Updated standings, results from women's Olympic basketball
Why is Yao Ming coaching Chinese women's Olympic basketball?
Ming is an assistant coach for the Chinese women's Olympic basketball team. His exact role isn't specified, but he was seen on the bench during the team's opening game against Spain.
Spain won 90-89 in overtime during Olympic group play on Sunday, July 28. His appearance was a surprise to many fans, especially those not familiar with the Chinese women's basketball team.
Yao Ming coaching the Chinese women's #Olympics team 👏 pic.twitter.com/Tjz4t2ovdj
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 28, 2024
Ming has years of experience playing international ball in China, suiting up for the Olympics team in 2000, 2004, and 2008. His teams finished 10th, eighth and eighth, respectively.
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The Chinese men's national team didn't qualify for the Olympics in either 2020 or 2024, so its last appearance was in Rio in 2016. The women's team has qualified for every Summer Games since 2004.
Ming is helping out with the women's team as it looks to improve on its fifth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Hall of Famer has remained active in basketball despite retiring at 30 due to injuries. He previously owned the Shanghai Sharks and is the current Chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Yao Ming Olympic stats
Ming played in three Olympic Games for China: 2000, 2004, and 2008. He retired from the sport in 2011 at the age of 30.
| Year | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3-PT% | FT% |
| 2000 | 6 | 26.7 | 10.5 | 6.0 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 63.9% | — | 70.8% |
| 2004 | 7 | 31.6 | 20.7 | 9.3 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 55.9% | 0% (0/2) | 83.7% |
| 2008 | 6 | 29.7 | 19.0 | 8.2 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 51.5% | 33.3% (2/6) | 80.8% |