"A representative for Yao Ming has requested that the retired Rockets center's nomination for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame be put on hold for at least another year.

Agent John Huizinga contacted Hall of Fame president and CEO John Doleva on Wednesday to request that the nomination as a contributor be tabled for the time being.

Yao, who was forced to retire in July due to series foot and ankle injuries, was nominated by a member of the Chinese media as a contributor to the game, a category that would allow him to be eligible for induction as early as 2012 instead of the normal five-year waiting period for players.

"He (Huizinga) indicated that Yao has great respect for the institution and equal respect for those elected before his consideration," Doleva told the Associated Press. "He just feels that it's too soon to be considered as a contributor.""