WELCOME TO INDIANA PACERS BASKETBALL: Nation’s No. 1 Player, 7-Foot-9 Tall, Shocks College Basketball World as He Flips Commitment to Indiana Pacers Over Powerhouses Like Duke, NC State, and Alabama
The basketball world is buzzing with disbelief and excitement as the nation’s top high school recruit, a towering 7-foot-9 phenom, announced a stunning change of plans—flipping his commitment from NCAA powerhouses like Duke, NC State, and Alabama to the Indiana Pacers. In a move that has completely upended traditional recruiting norms, the elite prospect has chosen to bypass college entirely and sign with the NBA’s rising franchise, thanks to the league’s evolving draft-and-develop approach and the Pacers’ innovative G League integration.
The player’s name has quickly become a household one in basketball circles—not just because of his jaw-dropping height, but due to his fluid athleticism, shot-blocking instincts, and surprising perimeter skills. Scouts have compared his ceiling to a mix between Victor Wembanyama and Kristaps Porziņģis, with even more physical upside. At 7-foot-9, he is now officially the tallest professional basketball player in modern history.
His commitment flip comes as a shock because he was previously considered a near-lock for Duke, where Coach Jon Scheyer had reportedly built a strong relationship with the player and his family. NC State and Alabama also made strong pushes, offering NIL deals reportedly worth seven figures. But none of it was enough to sway him from a bold and unexpected move—heading straight to the professional ranks through a new developmental program spearheaded by the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers, fresh off a successful playoff run, have embraced a modern vision of building around young, versatile talent. Their development system, rooted in their Fort Wayne G League affiliate, has become a premier destination for young stars wanting early NBA exposure, personalized coaching, and elite-level facilities without the limitations of the NCAA. Sources close to the player said he was impressed with Indiana’s player-first culture, as well as the opportunity to be mentored by stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
“Indiana believed in me as more than just a highlight reel,” the 7-foot-9 recruit said during a nationally broadcast press conference. “They saw me as a franchise cornerstone, and I believe I can grow here—faster and stronger than anywhere else.”
The news has already sent ripples across the NCAA landscape. Top college programs may now have to rethink their recruiting strategy as elite prospects consider the direct-to-pro pipeline more seriously. For the Pacers, this marks a seismic victory. They not only land a generational talent but also make a bold statement: Indiana is no longer just a flyover team—it’s a destination for stars.
With the basketball world watching, all eyes are now on Indianapolis. Welcome to Indiana Pacers basketball—the future just got a lot taller.
