Grand Rapids IBL Team Signs the World's Tallest Basketball Player

The Grand Rapids "Flight", a Professional Basketball Team of the International Basketball League (IBL), recently signed the world's tallest basketball player. 23 year old Sun Ming Ming of China stands 7' 9" tall, and weighs close to 400 pounds. He will be the starting center for the Flight this season.

Sun came to the U.S. about two years ago to pursue his basketball dreams. Before signing with the Flight, Sun played for the Dodge City Legend of the United States Basketball League (USBL), and most recently for the Maryland Nighthawks of the American Basketball Association (ABA). The addition of Sun Ming Ming to the team made the Nighthawks the first team to have five players over 7' on their starting line up. Because the ABA's season runs from early November to early March, Sun was free to sign with the IBL, whose season doesn't begin until mid-March.

You may have also seen Ming in a fighting scene with comedian Chris Tucker in "Rush Hour 3", or in the Discovery Channel documentary, "Anatomy of a Giant".

Ming of course dreams of a career in the NBA, but may have some work to do before seeing that dream become a reality. Some hindrances have been and might continue to be due to health problems. For example, a couple of years ago he had a life-threatening tumor removed from his pituitary gland. Although he seems to have recovered very well, this illness kept him from playing for quite a while. More of a problem might be the problems he has with his feet. As a youngster Sun is said to have worn shoes that were about five sizes too small for him; thus, his feet have become mangled and are in poor condition. Lastly, NBA scouts have been quoted as stating that Ming is a little slow on the court. Possibly due to the problems with his feet, or even due to his height and problems with coordination. Nevertheless, at 7' 9", we basketball fans can't help but see Sun as a potential/future NBA star.

The addition of Sun to the Grand Rapids Flight squad is very exciting and we here in West Michigan are looking forward to seeing him play. Sun will make his debut with the Flight on March 23. He is scheduled to arrive in Grand Rapids some time tomorrow.