The NCAA just got taller. In early January, Texas Tech women’s basketball revealed the signing of Stephanie Okechukwu, a 7-foot-1 center from Umuneochi, Nigeria, who at 21 years old became the tallest player in the history of NCAA women’s basketball. However, the exact timing of her debut with the Lady Raiders remains uncertain as the NCAA is still reviewing her eligibility.
Texas Tech associate coach Eric DeRue shared insights about Okechukwu, saying, “Her impressive 7-foot frame naturally draws attention, but Stephanie is exceptional in every part of her life.” Beyond her height, DeRue emphasized her remarkable background. Okechukwu attended Fukuchiyama Narumi High School in Kyoto, speaks English, Igbo, and Japanese fluently, and dreams of creating a basketball camp for young girls in her hometown.
Given her historic height, Okechukwu’s potential impact in NCAA basketball is substantial. Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich praised her, noting, “Her rim protection and shot-blocking ability are unmatched. She has excellent hands and touch near the basket and will be a formidable inside presence.”
While Okechukwu tops the NCAA height chart, there are other towering women in basketball worth noting:
Margo Dydek, 7-foot-2
Known as “Large Marge,” Dydek remains the tallest player ever in WNBA history. Though she never played in the NCAA, she shined professionally in Europe and was the first overall pick in the 1998 WNBA Draft. Dydek also holds the WNBA’s all-time blocked shots record with 877 over 11 seasons.
Han Shu, 6-foot-11
Currently the tallest active WNBA player, Han Shu played several years with the New York Liberty. She now dedicates herself to the Chinese national team and competes in Australia’s WNBL while recovering from injury.
Bernadette Hattle, 6-foot-10
Hattle joined the Indiana Fever as a free agent in 2021 and spent the 2023 season with the Connecticut Sun before her rights were traded to the Washington Mystics in 2024. She is currently playing professionally in Italy.
Brittney Griner, 6-foot-9
Griner was last active in the WNBA roster in 2023 and is one of the tallest NCAA alumni. A dominant force in the paint, she ranks second in career blocks behind Margo Dydek and is on pace to break that record by the 2026 season.
Liz Cambage, 6-foot-8
The Australian standout was picked second overall in the 2011 WNBA Draft. She had six seasons in the league, was a four-time All-Star, and holds the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points.
Hysia Zhen, 6-foot-8
Zhen entered the WNBA in 1997, drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks. Though she only played two seasons, she is legendary for representing China in four Olympic Games and became the first Chinese player inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Maria Stepanova, 6-foot-8
Drafted eighth overall in 1998 by the Phoenix Mercury, Stepanova played five seasons, known especially for her shot-blocking abilities.
Kara Walters, 6-foot-7
Walters’ career began in college with an NCAA championship in 1995 and AP National Player of the Year honors in 1997. Drafted by the Houston Comets in 1999, she won a WNBA title in her rookie year and secured Olympic gold with the U.S. team in 2000.
Tayla McCowan, 6-foot-7
Drafted by Indiana Fever in 2019, McCowan later moved to the Dallas Wings, where she has been a consistent presence over the past four seasons.
Camila Cardoso, 6-foot-7
A pivotal player for South Carolina’s Gamecocks, she earned MVP honors for the 2024 Final Four and was selected third overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by Chicago Sky, showcasing strong inside play.
Lauren Betts, 6-foot-7
Still competing in the NCAA, UCLA’s Lauren Betts is recognized as one of the tallest college players currently active. She earned the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award and set a single-season block record at UCLA. Betts is expected to be a top-three pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for WNBA fans because it signals a new era of extraordinary talent entering the sport, with players like Okechukwu and Betts raising the bar for height and skill. Their presence could redefine how the game is played, bringing fresh dynamics and inspiring a new generation of athletes in women’s basketball.
