Jerry Sokoloski (born May 6, 1983, Winnipeg) is a Canadian actor and one of the tallest people in Canada.[1] In November 2007, The Guinness Book of World Records measured him at 7 feet and 4+1⁄2 inches[2] and in 2008, they certified him as the tallest man in Canada and is Managed by M Models and Talent Agency[3] He has since been surpassed by Sim Bhullar who measures 7'5" tall.[4] Sokoloski was measured whilst wearing sneakers with a heel height of 2" on the Canadian morning show Breakfast Television at 7'4".[5]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 6, 1983 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Listed height | 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m) |
| Listed weight | 150 kg (331 lb) |
| Career information | |
| High school |
|
| NBA draft | 2004: undrafted |
| Position | Center |
Basketball edit
Sokoloski's basketball odyssey began on the courts of Canada, where he emerged as a towering force during his high school years. Initially showcasing his talents at Silverthorn Collegiate Institute, he soon transitioned to Chinguacousy High School in Brampton, Ontario, where he played his senior season, leaving an indelible mark on the local basketball scene. However, his journey wasn't without its obstacles, as eligibility issues stemming from his transfers posed challenges. Despite these setbacks, Sokoloski's passion for the game burned bright.
Amidst the trials of high school hoops, Sokoloski's towering stature caught the eye of basketball aficionados and celebrities alike. It was during this time that he found himself in possession of a unique memento – none other than Shaquille O'Neal's old shoes. This unexpected gift became a symbol of Sokoloski's ambition, a tangible reminder of the heights he aspired to reach in the world of basketball.
Beyond the court, Sokoloski's journey was also shaped by the guidance of unexpected mentors, including his sophomore French teacher, Ms. Tserghanos. Under her tutelage, he not only learned the intricacies of a new language but also imbibed invaluable life lessons that transcended the confines of the classroom.
As Sokoloski's high school career drew to a close, he faced a pivotal moment – the NBA draft of 2004. Despite not treading the collegiate basketball path, he boldly declared himself eligible for the draft, catching the attention of NBA scouts. The pre-draft process saw Sokoloski engaging in intense workouts with multiple NBA teams, each session fueling his determination to realize his NBA dreams. However, on draft night, the anticipated call never came, leaving Sokoloski undeterred but hungry for more.
Undaunted by setbacks, Sokoloski continued to pursue his passion for basketball, seizing every opportunity to showcase his skills. From pickup games to scrimmages with NBA teams, he remained steadfast in his quest to prove himself on the hardwood. Though the NBA draft may not have unfolded as he envisioned, Sokoloski's journey serves as a testament to the resilience and unwavering determination of a true baller.
References edit
- ^ Boyle, Theresa (2007-08-13). "Are you Canada's tallest man?". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
- ^ La Rose, Lauren (10 November 2007). "Canada's tallest man wears a size 23 shoe". St. Catharines Standard. Archived from the original on 6 January 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
- ^ Rea, Kyle (17 May 2011). "Big man to star on small screen". Metro News. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
- ^ Rohrbach, Ben (15 August 2014). "Meet Sim Bhullar, the Kings' 7-foot-5 center project and the NBA's first player of Indian descent". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
- ^ Canadian Press. "Hey stretch, could you be Canada's tallest man?". Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved 2018-01-06.
External links edit
- Jerry Sokoloski at realgm.com
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