That's true...and I was a tall 4 position player. I learned the fundamentals of basketball from an old school coach like the one you are talking about. Learned lots of life lessons from him as well.
I really wish Hasheem Thabeet would grow a pair and become a force down in the low block...at 7'2" tall, not many centers would be able to touch him. He is proof that just being tall doesn't mean you can chew gum and walk at the same time...lol
I guess we now know who was correct.