Yao Ming holds his daughter, Yao Qinlei, during a news conference to announce his retirement in Shanghai on July 20. Carlos Barria / Reuters

Chinese basketball icon leaves the game and a huge legacy after a landmark career with the Houston Rockets in NBA

For Chinese all over the world, it was a proud moment when Yao Ming carried the national flag at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics three years ago. The Houston Rockets'all-star center almost provided a different bridge between modern China and the rest of the world with his stunning performances in the NBA - along with his open mind, witty sense of humor and eastern humility - since debuting in the popular league in 2002 as the overall No 1 draft pick.

With his unparalleled influence, Yao used his star power to the benefit of communities, charity campaigns and even, in part, Sino-US ties. When the 2.26-meter giant announced his retirement from the basketball court on Wednesday, a huge burden was lifted from his shoulders.

China now has to face the tough reality: that there is no one who can step into the shoes of Yao in the foreseeable future.

Li Yuanwei, China's former basketball chief, who witnessed Yao grow from a tentative rookie to one of the nation's iconic sportsmen, felt sad for the giant's departure and said the next Chinese basketball superstar could be years away.

"Just for the basketball skills, there might be someone who could reach his level or even surpass him," says Li.

"But in terms of a comprehensive influence, combining physical condition, engaging personality and international image, I don't see anyone who has the potential to achieve that peak."

Li also says Yao played too much for the national team, which probably played a part in the injuries that cut short his career.

Li, who worked hard to implement professional reforms in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) during his 2003-08 tenure, stressed the half-professional system that exists is a barrier to generating another Yao.