- The 7’6″ Chinese center became a global superstar and had a successful NBA career.
- Mingming was well-known for his basketball career,
- Sun Mingming never became an NBA player or the star his size demanded, but he did get healthy and play the game he loved.
We’ve all heard of Yao Ming. The 7’6″ Chinese center became a global superstar and had a successful NBA career. Well, it appears that China truly is the land of the giants, as we will discuss another basketball giant from that country today, Sun Mingming.
Table of Contents
7’9″ Television Star
Sun, who was born in 1983, is recognized as one of the tallest players to ever play professional basketball,
standing at 7’9″(236cm) and weighing 360 pounds (167kg).
Sun towers over players such as Yao Ming, Manute Bol, Shawn Bradley, and Gheorghe Muresan, who are among the NBA’s tallest players.
Mingming was well-known for his basketball career,
but he also appeared on television, most notably in Rush Hour 3.
Basketball education and health issues
Sun was not initially interested in basketball, but his height of 7’0″ at the age of 15 compelled him to participate.
But as time passed, his enthusiasm for the game grew, and Mingming became more ambitious about making it to the NBA.
However, it was discovered in his twenties that Sun had a tumor on his brain,
which caused him to grow so quickly even in his later years.
Sun’s body produced large levels of growth hormones while producing low levels of testosterone,
which would be critical in developing any strength or athleticism required to make the NBA.
Sun’s case required immediate medical attention, but due to his poor upbringing,
he did not have the money for the procedure.
Also read:
Who is Todd Van Sickle? Ex-husband of Jennifer Odessa Nettles
Mingming’s career resurgence
Fortunately, his agent would organize a tremendously successful event and raise the funds required for the surgery.
The two procedures were successful, and Sun was ready to restart his basketball career.
Ming initially attended Ventura Community College before bouncing around a few minor league USA teams before moving on to play in Mexico, Japan, and China.
Mingming would spend the majority of his career with the Beijing Ducks,
winning two championships alongside Stephon Marbury,
but without playing a significant role.
Sun was not the most gifted player, but his bulk made him a sight to behold.
Sun Mingming would retire in 2014, at the age of 31.
Considering the height and weight he was carrying, that was quite astounding.
Sun Mingming never became an NBA player or the star his size demanded, but he did get healthy and play the game he loved.
