Almost everyone has an obvious answer when asked who their favorite is among the NBA’s big men – Shaquille O’Neal. Of course, there are other reasons to love the 7-foot giant. But for Simone Biles, it’s different. Now, the 7x Olympic gold medalist isn’t too concerned with all the Xs and Os of basketball. Rather, her answer was purely based on her experience growing up in Houston.

Her answer to the Rockets’ reporter, Vanessa Richardson’s question: “Did you have a favorite Rockets player growing up?” was certainly something of a surprise. “Growing up, it was always Yao Ming, just because he was super tall and he was always talked about. So, I think me and my family grew a liking to him,” Biles answered.

The 7’6 NBA legend, who can arguably be said to have opened doors for Chinese basketball players internationally, Yao spent his entire career with the Houston Rockets. Selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, the 8x All-Star led his team to a playoff series victory in 2009, their first since 1997.

His height alone would have been a major talking point. Combining that with his spectacular basketball skills, it’s understandable why Simone Biles would have heard more about Yao Ming in Houston.

But as we mentioned above, the 30x World Champion’s answer was surprising. After all, it hasn’t been that long since the iconic photo of Simone and Shaq resurfaced during the Olympics.

When Simone Biles and Shaquille O’Neal broke the internet

The 2017 Super Bowl LI was phenomenal for different reasons. For NFL fans, or more specifically, the New England Patriots fans, it was a legendary moment to watch Tom Brady lead his team to the largest comeback in NFL history! The first ever match to be decided in overtime, it was nicknamed “28-3,” in honor of the comeback.

But for the rest of us, it was the day when Simone Biles posted an iconic photo. Standing next to the towering 7’1 ‘Diesel,’ one of the greatest gymnasts of all time barely reached Shaq’s mid-torso. Considering that Simone stands at just 4’8, this shouldn’t have come as a surprise. The petite 27-year-old has often been at the forefront when it comes to height differences.

And that’s exactly why even after seven years, the viral photo that broke the internet, resurfaced during the Olympics. Watching Biles in her natural habitat – twirling, twisting, flying, and jumping – defying gravity, and doing the impossible, it’s hard to imagine how such a small frame.

Then you look at this photo, and you kind of get an idea. If this towering man can control a size 7 NBA ball on a hardwood floor and excel with great poise, then why not Biles? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.