Margo Dydek

Margo Dydek

Margo Dydek was born on April 28th, 1974

Full Name: Małgorzata Dydek
Place of Birth: Warsaw, Poland
Nationality: Polish
Profession: Basketball player and coach
Height: 1.96 m
Teams: Utah Starzz, San Antonio Silver Stars
College: Utah Starzz
WNBA draft: 1998

A trailblazing Polish basketball player and coach who dominated the court with her 7-foot-2 frame and later inspired a new generation of players as a coach. She was a pioneer for women's basketball in Europe and beyond.

Written by: Fatima Ahmed Fatima Ahmed

Margo Dydek: The Towering Giant of Women's Basketball

A Legacy of Dominance on the Court

Margo Dydek was the tallest professional female basketball player in the world, standing at an astonishing 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) tall. Her unparalleled height and dominance on the court earned her a reputation as one of the most feared centers in the WNBA.

Early Life and Family

Born on April 28, 1974, in Warsaw, Poland, Dydek came from a family of tall individuals. Her father stood at 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m), and her mother at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m). Her elder sister, Katarzyna, also played professional basketball, and her younger sister, Marta, played collegiate basketball in the United States.

WNBA Career

Dydek's journey to the WNBA began in 1998, when she was drafted first overall by the Utah Starzz (later relocated to San Antonio). Throughout her career, she played for the Connecticut Sun, Los Angeles Sparks, and other teams, leaving an indelible mark on the league. Her impressive stats include:

European Career and Personal Life

Before joining the WNBA, Dydek played for Olimpia Pozna in Poland (1992-1994) and Valenciennes Orchies in France (1994-1996), where she met her future husband, David. In 2008, she took a break from basketball to give birth to her son, David. Dydek later signed with the Los Angeles Sparks, marking her return to the WNBA.

Awards and Honors

Dydek's impressive career was recognized with several accolades, including:

Legacy and Impact

Margo Dydek's towering presence on and off the court inspired a generation of female basketball players. Her dominance on the court and her commitment to her family and country have cemented her place as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time. Though she left us too soon, passing away on May 27, 2011, her legacy continues to inspire and motivate athletes around the world.
Timeline
1974
Born in Poland
Margo Dydek was born on April 28, 1974, in Poland. She would go on to become a professional basketball player, playing in the WNBA and internationally.
1998
Drafted by Utah Starzz
Dydek was drafted by the Utah Starzz in the WNBA draft, marking the beginning of her professional basketball career.
2000
Traded to New York Liberty
Dydek was traded to the New York Liberty, where she played for two seasons and averaged over 10 points per game.
2005
Retires from Professional Basketball
Dydek retired from professional basketball, having played for several teams in the WNBA and internationally, and transitioning into coaching and commentary.
2011
Inducted into Polish Sports Hall of Fame
Dydek was inducted into the Polish Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing her achievements and contributions to basketball.
Margo Dydek

Margo Dydek Quiz

Margo Dydek's height was a significant factor in her basketball career, how tall was she?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was Margo Dydeks position in basketball?
Margo Dydek was a Polish professional basketball player who played as a center for several teams, including the Utah Starzz in the WNBA.
How did Margo Dydeks height impact her basketball career?
Margo Dydeks height of 7 feet 2 inches made her one of the tallest players in the WNBA, allowing her to dominate in the paint and block shots.
What teams did Margo Dydek play for besides the Utah Starzz?
Margo Dydek played for several teams, including the San Antonio Silver Stars, the Connecticut Sun, and the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, as well as teams in Europe and Asia.
Did Margo Dydek win any championships in her basketball career?
Margo Dydek won several championships in her career, including a WNBA championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002.
How did Margo Dydeks playing style influence her teams?
Margo Dydeks dominance in the paint and shot-blocking ability made her a key player for her teams, often providing a strong defensive presence and altering opponents shooting lanes.

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