"Because basketball is bigger than golf ball! I am lucky to get this job."

-- Yao Ming explained why he enjoys more media coverage than Tiger Woods.

"I don't really have anything to say. Basketball is not a game that you can play with your mouth. It needs action to prove yourself."

-- Yao Ming said after a slump of few games.

"If he doesn't choose me, I will be the one who gives him most headaches."

-- Yao Ming said when he was asked by General Manger of New York Knicks why a general would want to choose him in April 2002.

"There are something that are unparalleled in this world, like success and love."

-- Yao Ming said to journalist after he won the CBA championship.

"To be frank, I just have more muscle, so it won't hurt so much when somebody bumps into me."

-- Yao Ming said when he was asked how he kept good health in the physical NBA games.

"Physically, I think the weakest point is our coach."

-- Yao Ming said when he was asked about the weakest point of Houston Rockets.

"People must think my shape is not suitable to play basketball. But later I grow taller and heavier, and then there seems to be an advantage. My upper body is slim and lower part is wide. It's like a big horse tugging a small cart; the horse won't feel tired anyway. But if it's a small horse tugging a big cart, the horse will vomit blood before long."

-- Yao Ming commented on his body.

"I sit there just to enjoy the game, because the whole game to me is just a place to enjoy."

-- Yao Ming said of the All-Star game.

"I feel very much honored. I hope I can play well in this game. I guess if I don't eat a sleeping pill, I could have problems going to sleep tonight. Chances like this which can make you sleepless are getting rare."

-- Yao Ming said when he learned he was voted an All-Star

"Every teammate can shoot and score, seeing this is like watching fireworks."

"He is just like spider."

-- Yao Ming said of Kevin Garnet.

"My jersey is almost a woman's dress."

-- Yao Ming said of the hustling and physical game against the Miami Heat.

"I know I am not the thinnest player in the NBA."

-- Yao Ming said after he played with Shawn Bradley, the then-tallest player in the NBA.

"Now they are better than me, but I believe that I will defeat them before long."

-- Yao Ming said of the challenges posed by dominant big men Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan on September 2, 2002.