Measuring athletes is one tall order

Mark Greenfield from L.A. asks, "I've seen Bobo Morgan listed at 6'9", 6'10" and 6'11". Any idea how tall he actually stands?"

J'Mison (Bobo) Morgan had been listed at 6'10" for awhile, but his high school coach recently told The Times' Diane Pucin that he's now 6'11".

Listed heights for college athletes are frequently unreliable, and it's important to take them with a grain of salt. As early as high school, players/coaches/parents may slightly inflate those type of stats to make a player sound more appealing to colleges, more intimidating to opponents, etc.

It usually continues until they reach a pro level, at which point measurements are much more precise (I believe the NFL is particularly careful about that at combine). Many athletes have magically "shrunk" between their listings in a college team's media guide and a pro team's media guide!

I think most athletes are reluctant to talk about it, but Tony Meola (former U.S. national soccer team goalkeeper) joked about the issue in the early 1990s, admitting that he's 6'0" but is always listed at 6'1" because "it sounds better" (paraphrasing).

I haven't measured Morgan, but since he's usually listed at 6'10" that's what I've used so far. Ultimately, it's just a rough approximation to help people get a sense of relative size. There are many other factors that matter when it comes to a big man who can play above the rim (wingspan, vertical leap, speed/power, strength, etc.). One inch isn't a critical difference for a 6'10"-ish center.

Also, remember that he's still young and it's not impossible that he's grown slightly and may even continue to grow.

Comments

[AW]

The bottom line is can he play!!

Mike Sanders - former center for UCLA was listed at a very generous 6'7-6'8", but he was maybe 1/2" taller than Michael Holton, a guard listed at 6' 41/2". So go figure!!

Everybody at UCLA says that Love will be lucky to measure at 6' 9". But I will take him over every big man coming out, except for Beasley. No doubt, Love will be a big time baller in the NBA. He will easily be an 18 pts. and 10 rebound guy.

AW

[JosephineBruin]

I loved Michael Sanders - a solid player. I think he was with the 80 championship game vs lousville with rocket rod foster and kiki vandeweghe.
I wish morgam is 6'11' like his HS coach says.......WELCOME BOBO!

[JosephineBruin]

I loved Michael Sanders - a solid player. I think he was with the 80 championship game vs lousville with rocket rod foster and kiki vandeweghe.
I wish morgam is 6'11' like his HS coach says.......WELCOME BOBO!