When 6’11” All-American center Ben Strong graduated in 2008 and was drafted by a professional team in Israel, many Guilford basketball fans assumed that the big-man was irreplaceable. But the next season, another 6’11” big-man took center stage on Jensen’s court. Senior Tyler Sanborn rose to the spotlight, and some say, has filled Strong’s shoes. Fourth-team All-American, first-team All-ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference), and D3hoops.com south region player of the year: These were not Strong’s accolades but Sanborn’s in the 2008-09 season. Sanborn was recently picked as a 2009-10 preseason All-American.

“Ben is a good friend, I am proud of him. He is like a big brother and a mentor, and is a good role model,” said Sanborn. When asked what it felt like following in Guilford’s second-ranked all-time scorer’s footsteps, Sanborn said that he didn’t ever feel like he had to be the next Ben Strong.

“I just came in to work hard. I wasn’t sure how good I would be,” said Sanborn.

Sanborn averaged 12.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game last year, and had an ODAC-best 20 double-doubles. He averaged 15 points per game on a team with three other players averaging over nine points per game.

Strong is overseas playing professionally for Haifa in Israel, and through e-mail had some comments about Sanborn.

“I am very proud of Tyler. He has improved his game in a three-to four-year span more than anyone I know,” said Strong.

Head coach Tom Palombo agrees.

“Over the last three years he has transformed his body,” said Palombo. “He is now in great physical condition; he has improved his strength, agility and stamina.”

Palombo said that he is the “most improved player he has ever coached.”

Strong believes that Sanborn is “only scratching the surface” of his potential. Other current teammates see Sanborn’s mental game as a way Sanborn will continue to improve.

“He is confident and doesn’t let things get to him,” said 6’9″ sophomore Justin Stafford. “He is a hard worker, he is very physical and will post us up (in practice) and make us look silly.”

Sanborn has made many of his opponents look silly in the past, and has helped lead the Quakers to three NCAA tournament appearances. The big man is looking forward to see what this year’s ranked-second-in-the-nation team can accomplish.

“It’s nice to have the high ranking, but we still have to prove it and stay focused,” said Sanborn.

With a supporting cast of fellow preseason All-American Clay Henson, and Rhett Bonner, who averaged 16 points a game last season, the Quakers offense may be Guilford’s best since the 70’s.

“If they double (Sanborn) it will leave someone else open like Rhett or Clay for a shot,” said Stafford.

Whether Sanborn has replaced Strong or not is still up for debate. Nevertheless, Strong is very pleased with Sanborn’s accomplishments.

“I feel like a proud father watching my son grow up to be a man,” he said.