YAO Ming, the Chinese giant who became the first superstar basketball player from Asia, could enter the Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year as a contributor to the game.

John Doleva, president and chief executive of the shrine, said Tuesday that Yao has been nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be considered by an international panel.

As a contributor, Yao could be elected to the Hall in the 2012 class, while as a player, he would not be eligible for consideration until five years after he retired.

Yao retired in July after an eight-year NBA career that started after the Houston Rockets made him the top overall selection in the 2002 NBA draft and was marked in its closing years by leg and foot injuries that eventually forced him off the court.

An eight-time All-Star, Yao averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds in the NBA after a stellar career for the Chinese national team and the Shanghai Sharks.

While Yao was not the first Chinese player in the NBA, his engaging personality made him a favorite for sponsors seeking a way to attract interest in the potentially hugely profitable China market and for NBA fans across Asia.

When he retired, NBA commissioner David Stern called Yao “a transformational player and a testament to the globalization of our game.”

Doleva said a panel of seven “experts on the international game” will consider Yao’s credentials, and six of the seven must approve his election.

The panel is only allowed to select one individual, and Doleva said Yao will be facing about 12-15 other candidates for induction next year.

The deadline for nominations is November 1. Doleva said a member of the Chinese media contacted him to ask about the categories available for individuals, and submitted a formal application this week on Yao’s behalf.

“It has to go through the process,” Doleva said. “There is no guarantee when someone is nominated that they will be elected in their first year.

“That’s kind of what makes the process work. The committee takes a look at the pros and cons.”

Former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy, who coached Yao from 2003-07, hailed the nomination.

“He’s been one of the greatest ambassadors to ever set foot on an NBA floor,” Van Gundy said. “This guy touched so many people, and really opened doors in China, not only for himself, but for so many others.”

Doleva said Yao could make more history if he’s inducted as both a contributor and, later, as a player.

“There are examples of people who have been elected as players, and then elected as coaches,” Doleva said. “But there has never been anyone elected as a contributor, and then elected as a player or a coach.”