Sun Mingming, a 7’9” (236 cm) Chinese giant, is one of the tallest basketball players in history. Standing even taller than NBA icons like Yao Ming, Manute Bol, and Gheorghe Mureșan, his height made him a towering figure in the basketball world.
But his journey wasn’t just about basketball. A rare medical condition, a life-threatening tumor, and a Guinness World Record all played a role in shaping his incredible story.
This in-depth article explores Sun Mingming’s height, career, medical challenges, and his impact on basketball history.
Sun Mingming’s Official Height
Sun Mingming stands at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm), making him one of the tallest professional basketball players ever recorded.
How Tall Is Sun Mingming Compared to Other Basketball Players?
| Player | Height (Feet & Inches) | Height (CM) |
| Sun Mingming | 7’9” | 236 cm |
| Manute Bol | 7’7” | 231 cm |
| Gheorghe Mureșan | 7’7” | 231 cm |
| Yao Ming | 7’6” | 229 cm |
| Shawn Bradley | 7’6” | 229 cm |
| Victor Wembanyama | 7’4” | 224 cm |
| Shaquille O’Neal | 7’1” | 216 cm |
| LeBron James | 6’9” | 206 cm |
Sun Mingming outgrew every NBA player in history, but despite his height, he never made it to the NBA.
Sun Mingming’s Wife: Xu Yan – The World’s Tallest Couple
Sun Mingming is married to Xu Yan, a 6’1” (185 cm) handball player from China. Together, they hold the Guinness World Record for the tallest married couple.
Key Facts About Their Marriage
- Combined height: 13 feet 10.72 inches (423.47 cm).
- Wedding year: 2013.
- Public appearances: They frequently appear in Chinese media due to their unique height difference.
In an interview, Sun Mingming once joked:
“She may not be as tall as me, but she is the boss at home!”
Sun Mingming’s Shoe Size
With a massive height comes massive feet. Sun Mingming wears a size 20 US (53 EU) shoe, placing him among the largest feet in basketball history.
How His Shoe Size Compares to NBA Legends
| Player | Shoe Size (US) |
| Shaquille O’Neal | 22 |
| Bob Lanier | 22 |
| Sun Mingming | 20 |
| Yao Ming | 18 |
| LeBron James | 15 |
Finding shoes in his size was a major challenge throughout his career, as most sports brands don’t produce shoes that large in mass quantities.
Sun Mingming’s Age & Early Life
- Born: August 23, 1983.
- Hometown: Bayan County, Harbin, China.
- Height at age 15: 6’7” (200 cm).
- Height at age 18: 7’5” (226 cm).
Sun Mingming’s height wasn’t just genetics—he suffered from a rare medical condition that caused excessive growth.
Sun Mingming’s Parents’ Height – Where Did He Get His Height?
Unlike Yao Ming, whose parents were both over 6 feet, Sun Mingming’s parents were of average height:
- Father: 5’9” (175 cm).
- Mother: 5’6” (167 cm).
His extreme height was caused by acromegaly, a condition resulting from excessive growth hormone production.
The Medical Condition That Nearly Ended His Career
Sun Mingming was diagnosed with acromegaly, a disorder caused by a benign brain tumor that triggered uncontrolled growth hormone production.
How Acromegaly Affected Him
- Uncontrolled growth, leading to his 7’9” height.
- Extreme fatigue and vision problems.
- Difficulty moving quickly due to his massive frame.
In 2005, doctors told him he had to undergo surgery immediately, or his health would rapidly decline.
The Surgery That Saved His Life
With no money to afford the surgery, basketball fans and friends organized a fundraiser to cover his medical expenses. He successfully underwent tumor removal surgery in the USA, allowing him to continue playing basketball.
Sun Mingming’s Basketball Career
Early Career & College
- Played at Ventura Community College in California.
- Averaged 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
- Struggled with speed and stamina due to his condition.
Professional Basketball
Despite his height, Sun Mingming never played in the NBA. Instead, he played for minor league teams in Mexico, Japan, and China before joining the Beijing Ducks.
Career Achievements
- Played alongside Stephon Marbury with the Beijing Ducks.
- Won multiple championships in China.
- Retired from professional basketball in 2014.
Sun Mingming vs. Shaquille O’Neal – Who’s Taller?
Sun Mingming towered over Shaquille O’Neal in their famous photo together.
| Player | Height | Weight |
| Sun Mingming | 7’9” | 360 lbs (167 kg) |
| Shaquille O’Neal | 7’1” | 325 lbs (147 kg) |
Sun Mingming is 8 inches taller than Shaq, making their side-by-side picture go viral.
Sun Mingming’s Rush Hour 3 Cameo
Sun Mingming made a brief Hollywood appearance in Rush Hour 3, playing a towering martial artist in a fight scene against Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan.
This cameo boosted his global fame, proving that even outside basketball, his height made an impact.
Sun Mingming’s Children – Will They Inherit His Height?
As of now, Sun Mingming and Xu Yan do not have children. However, given their combined height, any future child could potentially be one of the tallest people in history.
Sun Mingming and Yao Ming – China’s Two Basketball Giants
Although Yao Ming and Sun Mingming never played together, their height comparison remains a popular topic.
| Player | Height | NBA Career? |
| Sun Mingming | 7’9” | No |
| Yao Ming | 7’6” | Yes, Houston Rockets (2002–2011) |
Yao was more skilled and mobile, which helped him succeed in the NBA, while Sun Mingming’s height made movement difficult.
Conclusion
Sun Mingming’s 7’9” height, rare medical condition, and professional basketball journey make him one of the most fascinating athletes in history.
- Survived a life-threatening tumor.
- Became a Guinness World Record holder.
- Played professional basketball despite major challenges.
- Appeared in Hollywood films like Rush Hour 3.
Though he never made the NBA, his legacy as one of the tallest basketball players ever will never be forgotten.
