Egyptian center Hamad Abouelrish, standing 7 feet 9 inches tall, made his first appearance in the FIBA World Cup 2027 African qualifiers, instantly drawing attention for his extraordinary stature.
A Rare Height in Modern Basketball
At 2.37 meters, Abouelrish towers over most of his contemporaries, eclipsing former NBA giants Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, both of whom shared the record for the tallest players in NBA history.
The debut took place in a qualifying match where Egypt faced a strong opponent, and Abouelrish contributed 11.8 points and 13.4 rebounds, numbers that echo his earlier performances in the Lebanese league with Homenetmen Beirut.
From Cairo to Beirut and Beyond
Born in Cairo, Abouelrish began his senior career with WE Sporting in Egypt before moving to Lebanon, where he averaged 4.0 points and 5.3 rebounds during the 2017 AfroBasket preliminaries. His stint with Homenetmen Beirut not only honed his skills but also placed him on the radar of continental selectors.
Now, as he lines up for Egypt in the qualifiers, analysts note that his presence could shift tactical approaches, forcing opposing teams to adjust their interior defense against a player whose wingspan rivals that of the sport’s historical legends.
A Rivalry Across Continents
The conversation around Abouelrish’s height inevitably brings up Canadian prospect Olivier Rioux, a 2.36‑meter teenager who currently plays for the UC Irvine Anteaters in the NCAA. Rioux was declared the tallest teenager in the world by Guinness World Records in 2021, a title that now appears to be challenged by the Egyptian veteran.
While Rioux prepares for his collegiate career, Abouelrish’s experience in international competition adds a layer of maturity that could make his impact in the qualifiers more immediate. Both players embody a new generation of giants who blend size with skill.
The upcoming fixtures will test how Egypt integrates Abouelrish into its lineup, and whether his performance can help the nation secure a spot in the 2027 World Cup. Fans worldwide will be watching to see if the 7‑foot‑9 center can translate his towering presence into a decisive advantage on the court.