In less than 2 years, Yao Ming has already become one of the most dominating figures in the NBA today. ESPN and Chicago Tribune Sports Columnist Sam Smith (author of the book "Jorda Rules") said he would pick Yao to start a franchise over Shaquille O'Neal at center. It wasn't so long ago that critics claimed Yao as a bust, a gentle giant better suited at becoming the next Shawn Bradley than a two time All-Star starter in his first two seasons. Without a doubt, Yao has arrived and the potential is endless.

      Reebok signed Yao to an incentive filled contract believed to be in excessive of $100 million. Rbk wants to get its foot in the door of China, and what better way to do so than with the most recognizable sports hero the country has ever produced? There's hundreds of millions of youngsters waiting to wear the next Yao Ming signature shoe in China. The shoe deal makes perfect sense, because there exists a chance for Reebok to create something bigger than Michael Jordan, or even Tiger Woods over there. So then why would you protect your $100 million investment with a mediocre shoe? With all due respect, the Rbk Enigma made for Yao this season is a shoe that is mediocre at best. Why not suit up your best athletes with the best gear in the industry? Why not create an innovative product that can challenge your rivals rather than copy them? Why not spice up your design team with a little bit of creativity and imagination that'll make the consumer take notice? One look at what the Artist Series has produced in one month and you've already got more than what Reebok has shown the entire year.

      Zenith Chance's winning Artist Series's design is simply sick. The Reebok Yao Ming Signature Concept combines classic Reebok lines and technology with a modern day flavor that fits in perfectly with Yao's game. InstaPump has been brought back and it looks better than ever. Notice the various air pockets bulging from the shoe to demonstrate the pumped air providing good fit and support. From the way the lines flow together to the way form and function work hand in hand, you can tell that Zenith understands the game. There's definitely a hint of a maestro at work in these designs. Congratulations to Zenith Chance for winning KG's Artist Series Yao Ming Concept. Below is Zenith in his own words:

      Yeh, I would like to say thanks to KG for giving Designers an official place where they can compete. I must say, its' very exciting, and it keeps me working hard when I might slack. When I was conceptualizing for the Yao Ming shoe, I wanted a base for my design to build upon. I didn't want to create an ATR shoe, because I *personally* feel that they are all hyperflight mimics, and that all shoes should not be cookie cutter. I was wondering what did Reebok do that was significant, recognized, and that I could incorporate into the Vector. I came to the conclusion that the Pump was what Reebok lived and died for. .. and they definitely. died for it. :/ Choosing to follow with Reebok's cult shoe, The Pump Fury, I started to design a shoe with an exterior wrapping bubble. That was somewhat hard because of the color breaks it would create, and just the conflicting lines of different layers, and properly positioning the bubble for purposeful reasons etc ... It was important to me to create a high cut shoe, rather than another ATR hyperflight , just for looks, shoe. I was determined to create a modern version of a high cut shoe... which I'm not sure how successful I was in doing. In the end, I came up with the shoe you see. Out of 10, I would give my design a 5. In terms of, there's nothing there that's really " wow". it's just another shoe. I didn't' really create anything that I feel pushed my abilities. But I'm glad you guys liked it. Thanks for the support everyone. I hope I can keep up with your demands. - Zenith