<p>Former NBA player Yao Ming received an honorary doctorate from the University of Hong Kong on Tuesday (November 27).</p><br /><p>Yao, who played for Houston Rockets from 2002-2011, was conferred a Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa by Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.</p><br /><p>"I feel very excited and I feel very honoured," Yao told reporters. "To receive this degree under the eyes of so many people is a huge encouragement for me. I hope I won't let everyone down."</p><br /><p>The 32-year-old made the NBA All-Star team eight times and the University also recognised Yao for his philanthropy.</p><br /><p>Yao has taken part in several charity events and raised millions of pounds for different causes. After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake Yao donated $2million to relief work.</p><br /><p>"Yao Ming's leadership in sport, his endearing demeanor and his courageous support for humanitarian causes has made him a role model for millions of people," said the University of Hong Kong's Public Orator Michael Wilkinson.</p>
