Skinny 7-footers: Can they be Productive in College?

Watching the Florida-UCLA championship game last night, something went through my head. How can Noah be so productive at his height and weight? A 6'11" kid who weighs 227 lbs is labeled as "too thin" to produced at the highest level. The common perception is that the kid will be thrown around in the paint and be unable to establish or maintain rebounding position. Noah had zero problems with either.

Jonathan Huffman rotted at the end of UL's bench this season. His 7'0" and 230 lbs frame was "just to thin to play at this level." Hey, I am the first to admit that I had the same thought all year long. I heard Pitino on his radio show say repeatedly that Huffman has to get "stronger" and "put on weight" to earn playing time. Maybe Huffman is like Noah and can play at his present size.

I understand that the Big East is a very physical conference, much more physical than the SEC. However, Noah didn't get shoved around in the tournament regardless of the conference of their opponents.

Just a thought.