Margo Dydek

Margo Dydek

Margo Dydek, born Małgorzata Teresa Dydek-Twigg, was a Polish professional basketball player. She was known for being the tallest female player in the world, standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall. She played the center position and had a successful career.

She won nine national championships in Poland and four in Spain. Dydek also played 11 seasons in the WNBA for three different teams. After her playing career, she became a coach for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League.

In 1999, she received the Polish Gold Cross of Merit for her achievements. She was honored with induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019 for her important contributions to the sport of basketball.

Early life

Margo Dydek was born on April 28, 1974, in Warsaw, Poland. Her father was very tall, measuring 6 feet 7 inches, and her mother was also tall at 6 feet 3 inches. She had two sisters. Her older sister, Katarzyna, who was also 6 feet 7 inches tall, played for the Colorado Xplosion in a league called the ABL. Her younger sister, Marta, who was 6 feet 6 inches tall, went to the University of Texas–El Paso where she played basketball. Marta also played professional basketball in Spain.

Professional career

Margo Dydek started her basketball career in Poland, playing for Olimpia Poznań and later for teams in France and Spain. She played for Fota Porta Gdynia and helped the team do well in Europe. In 1999, she was named the best female basketball player in Europe.

She joined the WNBA in 1998 and became known for her strong defense. Dydek set many records for blocking shots and was important to her teams. After taking time off for pregnancy, she returned to play for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Career statistics

WNBA

Source:

Regular season

Playoffs

Personal life

Margo Dydek was married and had two sons. She could speak five languages, and her teammates called her "Large Marge".

Death

On 19 May 2011, Margo Dydek collapsed at her home in Brisbane because her heart stopped. She was taken to a hospital to try to help her. She was working as a coach for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League. Sadly, she passed away on 27 May 2011.