Former NBA Giant Teaches Hoops to Falls Church Little Ones

Gheorghe Muresan can’t recall when he reached his giant-sized 7 feet 7 inch tall height.

For certain, according to the NBA, he and the late Manute Bol who like Muresan played for the Washington Bullets - now the Washington Wizards – are the two tallest players to ever play in the NBA.

Both men were the same height.

These days Muresan, 42, spends his time coaching kids of all ages including his 15-year-old son, George. All this week, Muresan held his Giant Basketball Academy at the Falls Church Community Center. With more than 50 sets of little eyes looking up at the giant, Muresan said he doesn’t think any of the kids are afraid of his freakish height.

“There’s no reason for them to be afraid,” Muresan said Thursday during his camp.

For the last six years, Muresan has held the weeklong camp in Falls Church running it during spring break and twice in the summer – once in June and July. Kids learn to dribble, pass, shoot, play defense and after an hour lunch break, they break off into teams for a 3-on-3 game. Watching each camper from his high vantage point, Muresan sees improvement in his little pupils.

“Each kid is different,” he said. “Some of the kids improve faster than others.”

Muresan isn’t the only giant to bring their basketball knowledge to “The Little City.”

George Mason High School assistant girl’s basketball coach Svetlana Pankratova has helped coach the Lady Mustangs to a state championship in 2012 and is in the Guinness World Records. The 6 feet 5 inch tall former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball player is in the record books for having the longest legs for a woman at an amazing 51.9 inches long.

Muresan said he has never been measured for any Guinness World Records.

“I can’t confirm it, but I may be the tallest person ever from Romania,” Muresan joked.

Keep up with Falls Church news and events with the Patch email newsletter. Learn more here!