Phuong Ly writes on "Yao-Mania":

Across the country, Asian Americans are turning out in droves to see Yao in action, proud that someone who looks like them (although 7 foot 5 inches tall) is on the verge of dominating a major league sport.

Exposing my ignorance: I think it's silly to watch because a player "looks like" you. They're plenty of white guys--well, a few, anyway--playing sports, and I still can't identify with them. And by the way, a pet peeve of mine: plenty of "Asian Americans" don't look like Yao Ming.