height is good to have, but not necessary. I saw blair dominate thabeet a few years ago. charles barkley and artest mainly went up against bigger guys at power forward and dominated as well. just a few of many examples. most important thing for a center is gaining and denying position down low. i think gathers could do that well despite his height. in fact, i would rather see him at center than at power forward. nova a few years back, and providence and marquette for the last couple of years, have had small players at the four and five which excelled at that position. again, just a couple of many examples. lavin putting on the floor four wing players at a time can work if there is talent, speed, and experience (which will come). remember, when slower big men have to cover quicker players who can shoot from outside as well as drive to the basket, then that creates matchup problems as well.