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Basketball

ProfessorGAC

(75,833 posts)

5. I Knew A Guy That Died Due To Marfans

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #2)

Wed Dec 17, 2025, 03:15 PM

Dec 17

17 years old.
Illinois player of the year as a junior.
6'10" and still growing; the physique of an adult; great footwork; nice touch with a jump hook; and a smart kid, so the game ran slowly for him.
Collapsed in the locker room showers after practice, right around this time of year, in 1973.
Was supposed to go to Georgetown.
He was the only guy I ever played against that I was 100% would end up in the NBA.
But, in those days there were no tests, genetic or otherwise, to detect the syndrome. The only way they ID'd it was during an autopsy. That's how they knew how Flo Hyman died during a volleyball game.
This kid is nearly a foot taller, so the risk is greater. Like you, I hope they've done the testing.

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Highlight:

World's tallest teen makes basketball history - NBC News [View all] TexasTowelie Dec 4 OP

Finally, someone taller than Barron Trump and James Comey. NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 4 #1

I sure as hell hope he's been thoroughly screened by a cardiologist/geneticist... hlthe2b Dec 4 #2

I knew someone with Marfan Syndrome, TexasTowelie Dec 4 #3

The very characteristic long hands and fingers are also present in a lot of basketball players so, only a full hlthe2b Dec 4 #4

I Knew A Guy That Died Due To Marfans ProfessorGAC Dec 17 #5