Tom Burleson

Tom Loren Burleson, born February 24, 1952, is an American former professional basketball player who played center. A native of Avery County, North Carolina, he stood 7 feet 2 inches tall. He was an All-American at Newland High School and Avery County High School, and again at North Carolina State University.

At North Carolina State, Burleson played alongside All-American David Thompson, guard Monte Towe, and forward Tim Stoddard, who would later pitch in Major League Baseball. Together they dethroned UCLA and won the 1974 NCAA Championship. Burleson was named MVP of both the 1973 and 1974 ACC Tournaments and earned All-Final Four honors in 1974. His defense against UCLA's Bill Walton proved key to the Wolfpack's semifinal victory. He was also a member of the 1973 World University Games gold medal team.

When Burleson was recruited, he was officially measured at 7 feet 2 inches tall, but the North Carolina State coaching staff decided to list him at 7 feet 4 inches. Burleson wanted to be listed at his actual height, but the staff told him he would officially be the tallest player in American college basketball.