After being inducted to the Hall of Fame, retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will get another momentous recognition in a few months time.

On the team’s media day, owner Les Alexander told reporters that Yao’s jersey will be retired on February 2.

This is a much-deserved recognition for the Chinese icon who, despite having his career cut short by injuries, still managed to have his influence go way beyond the basketball court.

Yao aided in bridging the NBA to the Asian region and, to this day, remains to be a model ambassador for the league.

His best year was in 2006-2007 where he averaged 25.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. Yao’s career averages are 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.