As a basketball player and international spokesman, 7'5" Yao Ming has quickly become the eighth wonder of the sports world. Amazing fans, players, and experts with both his surprising performance and down-to-earth personality, Yao has proven to be a refreshing font of contemporary wisdom. But perhaps that is because that Yao's words and deeds are deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. By placing Yao's character, accomplishments, and image in the proper context - in the lineage of great basketball players and coaches, as well as the evolving history of Asian and American culture - we can come to a more profound understanding of not only Yao but also the role and responsibility of the athlete in modern society.