Basketball reform needs Yao's magic hand

'Chinese basketball has no so-called biggest problem, but problems everywhere," Yao Ming said after being elected chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association on Thursday. Although many are excited with Yao's election and hope that he will revitalize basketball in China, the former NBA star appeared calm at Thursday's ceremony.

It was not difficult for Yao to win the election after the basketball administration department of the General Administration of Sport allowed non-officials to lead the association. But can he turn his reform plan into reality? Of course, a lot will depend on whether the authorities and basketball fans give him enough time to turn things around.

Yao had been offering suggestions on basketball reform since retiring from active sport in 2011. His experience as a successful player and club manager of Shanghai Sharks added extra weight to his words.