Auburn Women’s Basketball Has a 6-Foot-9 Secret Weapon in #23 Arek — Meet the Tallest Tiger in History

The hardwood at Neville Arena is no stranger to talent, tenacity, and towering figures, but Auburn University women’s basketball has introduced something — or rather, someone — truly unprecedented. Standing at a staggering 6-foot-9, Arek, who proudly wears the No. 23 jersey, has become a literal and figurative giant for the Tigers. Her presence alone is rewriting the story of what’s possible for women’s basketball on The Plains.

At 6-foot-9, Arek isn’t just the tallest player in Auburn women’s basketball history; she’s one of the tallest players to ever compete in NCAA Division I women’s hoops. That height immediately captures attention, but it’s the way she moves with surprising agility and controls the game with a shot-altering presence in the paint that is making scouts, fans, and opponents alike sit up and take notice.

Arek’s journey to Auburn was anything but ordinary. Born in South Sudan and raised in Texas, her growth spurt began early and never let up. By her freshman year of high school, she was already 6-foot-6 and learning to manage the spotlight that came with her extraordinary height. Coaches from all over the country had their eyes on her long before she hit the varsity court. But Arek’s story is rooted less in hype and more in heart.

She credits her mother — a former basketball player herself — for instilling discipline and humility. “My mom used to say, ‘Use your height to help, not to hurt,’” Arek said. “That stuck with me. I want to make an impact, not just with blocks or rebounds, but by being someone my teammates can rely on.”

And that’s exactly what she’s becoming at Auburn. Since stepping on campus, Arek has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and develop under head coach Johnnie Harris and her staff. The coaching staff has tailored a development plan specifically for Arek, balancing her natural gifts with the technical refinement needed to dominate at the SEC level.

“She’s a generational kind of size,” Coach Harris said. “But she’s not just tall. Arek listens, works hard, and wants to get better every single day. That’s what’s most exciting. We’ve had to adjust our defensive schemes just because she changes the entire geometry of the floor. The rim is protected — always — when she’s in the game.”

On the court, Arek is already proving to be a game-changer. Her shot-blocking instincts are elite, averaging 3.4 blocks per game in limited minutes during her debut season. Opposing guards think twice before driving into the paint when she’s patrolling the lane. And while her offensive game is still raw, it’s rapidly evolving. Auburn’s staff has been working with her on footwork, post positioning, and developing a reliable mid-range jumper.

“I used to think I had to dunk to matter,” Arek said with a laugh. “Now I know that basketball is about more than just height or highlights. It’s about being smart, being there for your team, and improving each time you step on the floor.”

Her teammates have embraced her with enthusiasm and admiration. Senior guard Honesty Scott-Grayson, one of Auburn’s vocal leaders, said Arek has brought more than just size to the roster.

“She’s funny. She’s humble. And she makes us all better,” Scott-Grayson said. “You throw the ball up there, she’ll get it. She’s like our safety net on defense. We trust her. And off the court? She’s just a great person to be around.”

Arek’s presence has also made an impact in the stands. Auburn fans, young and old, have taken notice of the towering No. 23. During warmups and postgame autographs, she’s swarmed by kids eager to meet the woman who’s redefining what a basketball player can look like. For many young girls watching, Arek represents not just someone to admire, but someone who proves that being different is a strength, not a setback.

That message resonates deeply with Arek. She’s spoken openly about growing up feeling isolated because of her height, especially in middle school. “It wasn’t always easy,” she said. “I didn’t fit in, and sometimes I felt ashamed of how tall I was. But now? Now I stand tall with pride.”

Her self-confidence is as unmissable as her size, and it’s contagious. In the locker room, she’s known for her quiet humor and unexpected impressions. On the road, she often draws double takes from hotel staff, opposing fans, and even other athletes. But Arek has learned to embrace the attention while staying grounded in her purpose.

“I’m not here to be famous,” she said. “I’m here to play basketball, get my degree, and hopefully help Auburn win a championship.”

That championship dream is not far-fetched. With Arek anchoring the defense and improving steadily on offense, Auburn has a foundation few programs can match. In a league dominated by athleticism and physicality, having a 6-foot-9 rim protector is like wielding a cheat code.

What makes Arek’s potential even more exciting is her timeline. As just a freshman, she has multiple years of eligibility ahead of her. With each offseason, her skill set sharpens. With every game, her timing improves. And with every practice, she becomes more comfortable being the unique talent that she is.

“She hasn’t even scratched the surface,” Coach Harris said. “Wait until you see her in another year. It’s going to be scary for everyone else.”

Opposing coaches are already planning around her. SEC analysts have noted the ripple effect she has on opposing offenses — how she forces them into low-percentage floaters and hurried shots. It’s not just about the blocks; it’s about the shots that never get taken.

“She erases mistakes,” one assistant coach said. “Most teams get punished for defensive lapses. Auburn has a 6-foot-9 eraser.”

Beyond the court, Arek is pursuing a degree in kinesiology and hopes to use her education to one day train and inspire the next generation of athletes — especially tall girls who are still trying to grow into their bodies and their identities.

“I know what it feels like to be the tallest kid in the room,” Arek said. “I want to help those kids feel proud of that, not ashamed. Basketball gave me that pride. Auburn gave me a home. And now I want to give back.”

Arek’s rise at Auburn is about more than wins and losses. It’s about breaking barriers — literal and symbolic — in a sport that’s evolving faster than ever. The women’s game is growing, and with players like Arek, it’s reaching new heights. Literally.

As the season unfolds, fans should expect her minutes — and her impact — to increase. Her ceiling remains untapped, but one thing is already clear: No one in college basketball looks quite like her. And perhaps no one will leave quite the same legacy.

In a world that too often tells girls to shrink, Arek stands tall — in every way that counts. And with her at the heart of the Auburn Tigers’ future, the sky is no longer the limit. It’s just the beginning.