Spud Webb's Height Is Only 5 Feet 7 Inches But His Heart Is Much Bigger

Standing at only 5'7, Spud Webb may not be considered tall but his heart more than makes up for it

. It all began in Dallas, Texas on July 13, 1963. Anthony "Spud" Webb was born into a large family with 5 brothers and sisters. Playing basketball was always one of Spud's favorite things to do while growing up. He had always wanted to play professionally in the NBA. Although he was much smaller than the other kids, he never let his height stand in his way. In fact, Spud Webb had two big advantages over his competitors, his speed and jumping ability.

Spud Webb had to constantly earn the respect of his coaches when he was growing up, even though he was quick and could dunk the ball he was usually overlooked. When trying out for the basketball team in junior high he was told to sit in the stands because he was too small to compete. Even though he was a little discouraged upon hearing this, he refused to let his height keep him from reaching his goals. Spud Webb eventually convinced his coach to let him play and he scored 20 points in his first game.

Spud Webb tried out for the varsity team at Wilmer-Hutchins High School but was not chosen to play on the varsity level because he was too short. When he heard this, Webb considered leaving the game behind for good but instead he decided to try to develop his game and improve himself. Spud eventually made the varsity team and instantly became a leader. He averaged 26 points and made his first dunk in a school game his senior year standing at only 5 feet 6 inches tall.

He was also named Player of the Year and was selected to the All-State team. Despite his incredible high school accomplishments, because of his height, Spud was not heavily recruited at the college level. Spud Webb began his college career at Midland Junior College and led his team to the junior college national title in 1982. His excellent performance at the junior college level drew national attention when an article was written about him in Sports Illustrated.

Not long after this, North Carolina State assistant coach Tom Abatemarco watched Spud play at his junior college in Texas. He suggested to head coach, Jim Valvano, that Webb should visit the campus on a recruiting trip. As the story goes, the two coaches went to the airport to meet him. When a little guy came walking towards the coaches, Valvano supposedly said to Abatemarco, "If that's Spud Webb you're fired." During the visit Valvano was so impressed with Spud that he offered him a scholarship. Spud went on to lead the team to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Spud Webb had an impressive college career, however, he was not selected in the NBA draft because of his size. He practiced and continued to work on his game and in 1985 he was chosen by the Detroit Pistons in the fourth round. Although, his success was short-lived because he was eventually cut from the team.

Soon after, he was given an opportunity to tryout for the Atlanta Hawks and the rest was history. Spud went on to average over 10 points and five assists per game throughout his career. His most well known moment was in 1986 at the All-Star Slam Dunk Championship where he beat out Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan to take the title.

Spud Webb retired from basketball in 1997 and now spends his time with his business adventures and playing golf. One thing can be said for sure: Spud Webb's height may not be very big but his heart and determination definitely are.

by: Brayden Fisher

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