Paul Mokeski, a 7ft former NBA center, felt like a "giant" when he traveled to China, often being stared at due to his height.
While height once dominated the NBA, it remains rare in the general population, with fewer than 3,000 seven-footers worldwide.
Mokeski's height has always made him visible, attracting constant stares and repetitive questions, especially "How tall are you?"
– Growing up tall and skinny, Mokeski often felt self-conscious due to attention, leading to a lifelong dislike of crowds and lines.
– At parties, people ask Mokeski's wife about his height, which he finds frustrating as they ignore his presence.
– Fellow 7ft NBA player Robert Parish sees pros (reach, stride) but notes the cons, including doorways, beds, and finding clothes or shoes.
Aging has been hard for Mokeski, with foot, knee, and hip surgeries due to his large frame, making daily tasks difficult.
Despite his success, Mokeski believes being shorter might have increased his chances at an NBA head coaching job, noting big men are often overlooked for such roles.