NBA ex-star Paul Sturgess visits Whetley Academy

Paul Sturgess, who stands at 7ft 7ins tall, wears size 19 shoes, and used to turn out for the Harlem Globetrotters, delighted children at Whetley Academy, in Whetley Lane, Girlington on Wednesday.

He was officially recognised as the “Tallest Professional Basketball Player” by the Guinness World Records in November of that year.

The ex-professional basketball player has visited more than 400 schools across the country to deliver his “Paul Sturgess Wow Basketball Days” and has already been at another Delta Academies Trust school – Wybers Wood, in Grimsby.

Sturgess, who began playing the sport when he was 14 and received a full basketball scholarship at Florida Institute of Technology University after completing his A-levels, gave a talk at the school, focusing on using what is unique about you to thrive.

He also ran basketball sessions for both children and adults alike throughout the day.

A spokesperson for Whetley Academy said: “Whetley were lucky enough to have a visit from ex-England and Harlem Globetrotter Basketball Star – Paul Sturgess.

“Paul spoke to the children about life as a 7ft 7 man. He spoke really positively about using our differences to our advantage and that being different should be seen as a positive.

“This is a message similar to what we instill at our very diverse school.

“We celebrate our diversity and focus on positives that bring us closer as a school.

“Children and adults were able to take part in basketball sessions during the day and take some photos with the Guinness World Record Holder.

“Paul spoke about how much he loves visiting different schools across the country and tries to make a difference in each one he attends.

“The visit will no doubt be a long-lasting memory for all of our children.”