Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
SI.com gives more ink to UNCA’s Kenny George, the tallest man in college basketball. The coverage encompasses most of what we’ve seen – an appreciation for George’s improving basketball talent, combined with a weird sort of awe at his freakish size:
Standing about 7-feet-9 with his shoes on – size 26 shoes – the tallest player in college or the NBA has gone from an awkward-looking YouTube cult figure who played little last season, to a soft-handed sometimes-dominating inside player that may have an NBA future.
“He has only scratched the surface of how good he can be,” coach Eddie Biedenbach said.
Due to his enormous size, nothing has been easy for the 360-pound George, from everyday life to getting back into condition after two major knee injuries robbed him of nearly three full seasons.
While looking painfully slow at times, George, a junior, has improved his conditioning to become a major factor in UNC Asheville’s best start in 23 years. In only 22 minutes a game, George is averaging 13.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and is second in the nation with 4.9 blocks.
He had the winning dunk in the Bulldogs’ upset of South Carolina earlier this month, and had a career-high 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in a win over Buffalo.
“I’m not 100 percent physically fit the way I want to be yet, but I’m getting there,” the shy George said in his deep, monotone. “The shape I’m in now is allowing me to do more on the court.”
His size and strength make him nearly impossible to guard. The tallest opposing centers come up to his shoulders. His wingspan of 101 1/2 inches allows him to shoot down at the basket and he’s making a nation-best 72 percent of his shots.
