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[Saba Sports News] They say height is might in basketball, but for Abiodun Adegoke, it’s been more of a challenge than an advantage.
Standing at an astounding 7-foot-11 and weighing 250 pounds, Adegoke, known as “Big Naija,” holds the title of the tallest player to ever participate in organized basketball, surpassing Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux, who stands at 7-foot-9.
Growing up in Nigeria, Adegoke faced numerous hardships. Coming from a poor family, his extraordinary height created obstacles in his daily life.
As he grew taller, he outgrew his home and often had to crouch to fit through doorways, which eventually led to a noticeable hunchback. Paired with a lack of formal basketball training and the challenge of finding size 53 shoes, Adegoke’s path to a basketball career was anything but easy.
Despite these struggles, Adegoke didn’t let his circumstances deter him. His incredible height, which allows him to dunk without jumping, eventually caught the world’s attention.
His rise to fame began when Shaquille O’Neal shared a video of him on Instagram. The post skyrocketed Adegoke’s popularity, earning him thousands of followers and connecting him with NBA legends like Kevin Garnett and Karl-Anthony Towns.
In addition to his viral fame, Adegoke has sparked curiosity and debate about his age, further amplifying the intrigue surrounding “Big Naija.” Whatever the challenges, his unique story continues to captivate basketball fans worldwide.