Elmore Smith

Elmore Smith (born May 9, 1949) is an American former professional basketball player. Born in Macon, Georgia, he graduated from Ballard-Hudson High School in his hometown. As a high school freshman, Smith stood 5 ft 11 in and did not make the team, having no basketball skills. Over the next two years he grew to 7 feet, after which, by his account, the school principal pressed him to play, telling him, "If you don't go out for basketball, we're going to kick you off campus." During high school he attempted to enlist in the military three times but was rejected each time because of his height. He made the team but rarely played, as he still did not know how to dribble or shoot, and he received only three college scholarship offers, which he attributed to being tall and coordinated.

A 7 ft 0 in center, Smith attended Kentucky State University. He played in the National Basketball Association from 1971 to 1979, appearing for the Buffalo Braves, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers.