The man who sent the NBA to new heights in China was recognized by the city where he played and by his team, the Houston Rockets, which will retire his jersey on Friday.

On Thursday afternoon, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner held a reception at City Hall in honor of Yao Ming.

Yao said, "If anyone asked me on the very first day in Houston 15 years ago, to have an event like this, I would say there's no way."

Yao, an eight-time NBA All-Star, was to attend a ceremony at which the Rockets will retire his No 11 jersey.

Turner said, "Although we wish you could keep wearing that jersey for our Rockets forever and ever, we celebrate this retirement as a bookend to the incredible athletic career of a true Houstonian."

Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin said: "Yao Ming has set a good model for us, to be a world talent. We should keep an open mind to the world. ... We hope other countries will also keep their doors open to us, so we can cooperate together toward a bright future."

The 7-foot-6 Yao was with the Rockets from 2002 to 2011 for eight seasons. He was elected to the basketball Hall of Fame in April.

[email protected]