Yao Ming speaks during a press conference on launching the first-ever NBA-Yao School in Beijing on Tuesday. The school will provide provide after-school basketball training and fitness programs for boys and girls up to age 16 at all skill levels. [Yan Weijue/chinadaily.com.cn]

The NBA will provide training curriculum and operational manual for the school, and select an experienced technical director to implement and manage the program. NBA personalities will visit the school to provide specialized instruction on basketball techniques, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and overall player development.

"We will use NBA resources like having players and legends to visit the school to attract the children. The values of playing basketball will be emphasized here," said Stern.

As the latest effort of Yao's comprehensive cooperation with NBA to promote youth sports and charity since last July, the school has already drawn notice from Chinese parents.

Yang Xiaoning, a bank employee who brought his wife and 6-year-old son to watch the preseason game, looks forward to the opening of the school.

"I will consider it (to send his son to the school) seriously because I believe Yao's influence and the NBA-caliber program won't disappoint us. I am a hoops fan and there is no better way to have my son grow stronger than by playing the game."

Contact the writer at sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn