Big man on campus ...

We would think that the center on a Division I college basketball team would welcome being the center of attention. Not so when it comes to Kenny George.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

George, the 7-foot-7, 360 pound pivot man for UNC-Asheville, would much rather be a shrinking violet than deal with the fanfare that comes with being not only the largest player in college basketball today, but perhaps of all-time.

You see, George's size is always a topic of discussion, one that the shy and reserved 22-year-old doesn't want to discuss. Afflicted with gigantism--a condition in which a tumor on the pituitary gland causes an over-secretion of growth hormone--George must deal with a plethora of inconveniences that many of us will never have to endure, and may take for granted.

In order to provide George more leg room on road trips, the local bus company must remove two back seats. When he sleeps in hotel beds, he must do so diagonally in order to fit. And in class, since he cannot sit comfortably in a regular chair, he usually can be found sitting on the floor. What's more, he doesn't own a driver's license since his large frame cannot squeeze into a car.

George doesn't want to be perceived as a carnival freak. He deals with a constant barrage of people asking to take his picture or being gawked at in public places. It's gotten to the point where his teammates have become very protective of him.

Despite wearing a Nike-designed size 28 shoe, in which he stands 7-foot-9, George would rather have you chat him up about his passions: graphic design and animation.

While he hopes his talents will one day lead to a career in comic books and cartoons, the junior has his sights set on a possible NBA career. As they say, you can't teach height, and as long as he stays healthy, he may achieve that goal.

George has developed into one of the Bulldogs' top players after academic issues curtailed his freshman season and knee problems forced him to redshirt the next. After playing only 11 minutes a game last season, he is averaging around 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks in nearly 20 minutes a game through February.

Things are looking up for George. And we should all look up to him.