National Geographic's Ultimate Explorer, Basketball Diplomacy: From Mao to Yao, hosted by Lisa Ling, airs Sunday, June 1 on MSNBC at 8PM ET,PT. Ultimate Explorer airs every Sunday thereafter. Writes Lisa Ling, "When I got the job as host of National Geographic's Ultimate Explorer, I begged the producers to let my first documentary be about a story I've been dying to do. Growing up Asian American, in an almost entirely Caucasian community, I always felt conflicted about my identity. I would learn that this feeling was a common one in immigrant communities. About three years ago , I learned of this remarkable young and very tall basketball player in China who was posed to become a superstar in America's NBA: Yao Ming. I knew that if he could prove himself, Yao Ming could effectively become the most influential bridge between two countries that have historically had a somewhat difficult relationship: the US and China. I believed that this one guy could help to change so many stereotypes that have plagued immigrants forever. On the surface: he's literally larger than life, he's an exceptionally talented athlete and he's a powerhouse of a man. He's also such a humble, intelligent and gracious person who values his family and his team. Well, because I was so passionate about him, the producers let me make this film. It's called Basketball Diplomacy: From Mao to Yao. I have to tell you, Yao Ming has exceeded all of my expectations. I spent some time with him and he opened himself in a way that I've never seen in the thousands of interviews that he's done. He has really provided such a tangible window into the changes that are taking place in China and has come to symbolize China's emergence as a global superpower."