Jérémy Gohier, a 14-year-old standing at 7 feet 3 inches, faces unique challenges due to his height, impacting everything from clothing and footwear to daily life. His family navigates these difficulties by sourcing specialty items and adapting their home. As he aspires to join the NBA in 2030, the article explores the significance of height in basketball, including how player measurements can vary and the NBA’s recent decision to measure players without shoes.
Meet Jérémy Gohier: A Giant Among Us
At an impressive height of 7 feet 3 inches, Jérémy Gohier is a remarkable presence on the basketball court, effortlessly turning heads as he dribbles and dunks. Despite the advantages his stature brings in the realm of sports, it also introduces unique challenges in his everyday life. Now, at just 14 years old and standing at 2.22 meters tall, Jérémy strives to navigate life from the same vantage point as his peers, offering a glimpse into the aspirations of a potential NBA star in 2030.
The Everyday Challenges of a Tall Teen
Raising a 7-foot-3 teenager comes with its fair share of complications, especially when it comes to clothing, footwear, and general lifestyle adjustments. As noted by endocrinologist Céline Huot, “Adapting life and the environment for individuals of such height is no small feat.” This reality is especially pronounced in the Gohier household, where daily life revolves around accommodating Jérémy’s extraordinary dimensions.
His mother, Geneviève Brousseau, shares a lighthearted moment, saying, “Thank goodness he enjoys wearing trendy joggers and sporty tracksuits.” She goes on to describe how the local youth have embraced a unique fashion sense, often opting for Crocs and Nike-style clogs paired with socks. “Amazon has been a lifesaver! That’s where I find his shoes and clothes, helping us keep him stylish and current,” she adds.
However, as Jérémy continues to grow, Geneviève admits that the novelty of shopping for her exceptionally tall son is wearing off. “Now, when I find something in his size, I buy in bulk,” she humorously explains. “You also have to consider that larger sizes are often wider, making it a real juggling act.”
This situation can be frustrating for Jérémy, who often sees his friends in fashionable outfits that he cannot find in his size. The family also frequents specialty stores in Greater Montreal to ensure Jérémy has a suitable wardrobe, and thankfully, some brands cater specifically to the needs of very tall individuals.
Finding the Perfect Fit
When it comes to footwear, Jérémy’s size presents another set of challenges. He typically wears a size 20 or 21 shoe, depending on the brand, and his advisor, Emmanuel Borno, is continually searching for the right basketball shoes for him, often placing special orders from across the continent. Remarkably, he has even secured a size 23 pair, much to his mother’s surprise.
While most teens in his basketball program wear sizes 13 or 14, Jérémy has had to swap out four or five pairs of shoes every season during his growth spurts. “It was a nightmare,” Geneviève recalls. “Now it’s more stable; we only need to change them once a year. The choices are limited, but he manages to find styles he likes.”
Life at Home for a Growing Giant
The Gohier family has kept a record of Jérémy’s growth on a door frame in their home, but he has long since outgrown that marker, with his height now soaring toward the ceiling. Fortunately, they haven’t needed to undertake major renovations; his father, Félix, created a personal space for him in the basement when he was 10 years old. They are currently on the lookout for a very large king-sized bed to accommodate Jérémy’s height.
Despite their stable financial situation, feeding Jérémy has become a challenge. His appetite rivals that of several teenagers experiencing growth spurts, making grocery shopping a constant endeavor. “We do well financially, but keeping up with his food consumption can be daunting,” Geneviève admits. “Even after a huge grocery run, it seems he can demolish it all in no time!”
The Importance of Height in Basketball
Height has always played a crucial role in basketball, leading to instances where the actual measurements of players may be inflated for various reasons. The debate surrounding whether to measure players with or without shoes has been ongoing for decades, with discrepancies often depending on the source, whether it’s the NBA, the Olympics, or other specialized databases.
Take, for instance, the case of a well-known French basketball player; discussions about his height have ranged from 7 feet 2 inches to 7 feet 4 inches. Ultimately, he himself has claimed to be 222 centimeters tall, which is just shy of 7 feet 3.5 inches.
Two Perspectives on Height
Basketball star Kevin Durant once remarked, “For me, when I talk to a woman, I measure 7 feet. But in basketball circles, I measure 6 feet 9 inches.” This illustrates the varying perceptions of height within different contexts. A notable example occurred during a training session for the U.S. Olympic basketball team in 2016, where Durant appeared alongside DeMarcus Cousins, leading to public speculation about their respective heights.
In a significant move, the NBA has mandated that all players be measured without shoes starting from the 2019-2020 season. This new standard has now been adopted by evaluators at the prospects’ trials, emphasizing the importance of accurate height representation in the sport.