Basketball has seen many towering figures, but few have reached the incredible height of Sun Mingming, the tallest professional basketball player from China. Standing at 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters), Sun’s presence on the court was nothing short of extraordinary. While he never played in the NBA, his career spanned multiple leagues across the world, making him a fascinating figure in basketball history.To get more news about tallest chinese basketball player, you can visit shine news official website.

Early Life and Discovery
Born in Bayan County, Heilongjiang Province, China, in 1983, Sun Mingming didn’t start playing basketball until he was 15 years old. His height made him a natural fit for the sport, and he quickly developed an interest in pursuing a professional career. Unlike many basketball stars who begin training at a young age, Sun’s late start meant he had to work extra hard to refine his skills.

Basketball Career
Sun played college basketball at Ventura College in California before moving on to professional leagues. Although he was undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft, he played for several teams in the United States, Mexico, Japan, and China. His career included stints with:

Dodge City Legend (USBL)

Maryland Nighthawks (ABA)

Grand Rapids Flight (IBL)

Fuerza Regia (Mexico)

Hamamatsu Phoenix (Japan)

Beijing Ducks (China)

Sun’s most notable years were with the Beijing Ducks, where he played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and won championships alongside Stephon Marbury. While he wasn’t a dominant scorer, his sheer size made him a defensive asset.

Health Challenges and Recovery
Sun’s extraordinary height was due to a condition called acromegaly, caused by a benign tumor on his pituitary gland. This condition led to excessive growth hormone production, making him one of the tallest basketball players in history. In 2005, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which was crucial for his health and career.

Life Beyond Basketball
After retiring in 2014, Sun Mingming remained a well-known figure in China. He even made appearances in movies, including Rush Hour 3, where he played a towering martial artist. In 2013, he married Xu Yan, a fellow basketball player who stands at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters). Together, they hold the Guinness World Record for the tallest married couple, with a combined height of 13 feet 10.72 inches (423.47 cm).

Legacy and Impact
While Sun Mingming never became an NBA star like Yao Ming, his story is one of perseverance and uniqueness. His towering presence made him a spectacle on the court, and his journey through different leagues showcased his dedication to the sport. Today, he remains an inspiration for athletes who face challenges but continue to pursue their dreams.