Yao Ming is one of the most famous and highly paid athletes in China with earnings of $56.6 million in 2007. He is also very tall and looks like a giant when stands alongside his Chinese team mates. He is even the current, tallest player in the NBA, standing at 7 feet 6 inches or 2.29 meters.

In this interview for Reebok, he talks about the once in a lifetime opportunity to play for China on home soil. He also explains the design and inspiration behind his newest basketball shoe from Reebok, the Pump Omni Hexride. The shoe was created to celebrate the Beijing Summer Games and includes some personal touches from Yao, such as his own signature logo.

Only 2,008 individually numbered pairs of the exclusive Pump Omni Hexride will be available starting today for all of China - good luck trying to get a pair! In addition, select retailers in the US and in Europe will soon carry the Pump Omni Hexride, however they will not be numbered.

If you miss out on a pair in the shops, five pairs will be up for auction with proceeds going to the Yao Ming Foundation, which is helping to rebuild earthquake-resistant schools affected by the Shichuan earthquake.

See more pictures on Flickr and information on Reebok’s website.