8-Foot-Tall Twins Shock the World — State Their Reasons for Committing to LSU
In what is being hailed as one of the most astonishing recruitment stories in modern sports history, twin brothers Aiden and Jalen Richter — both officially measured at an astonishing 8 feet tall — have announced their commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU), sending shockwaves through the college basketball world and beyond.
The Richter twins, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, have been viral sensations ever since footage of their high school games began circulating on social media. Towering over opponents with unmatched ease, their combination of size, coordination, and surprising agility has drawn comparisons to legends like Yao Ming — but times two.
While many expected the twins to head straight into professional basketball — or even bypass traditional routes altogether with lucrative overseas or G League Ignite offers — the brothers have chosen a different path.
> “We didn’t want to be just another story,” said Aiden. “LSU gave us a vision, not just for basketball, but for life after the game.”
According to LSU Head Coach Matt McMahon, the school had been in close contact with the family for over a year. But even he admits he was surprised when the commitment came through.
> “This is beyond basketball,” McMahon said in a press conference following the announcement. “These young men are generational athletes. But they’re also incredibly grounded, intelligent, and hungry to make an impact on and off the court.”
The twins cited three primary reasons for choosing LSU:
1. Development Culture: The Richter brothers were impressed by LSU’s player development programs, particularly in strength conditioning and mobility training. Standing at 8 feet tall presents unique physiological challenges, and LSU’s track record in working with big men was a major selling point.
2. Academic Support and NIL Vision: Both twins have shown an interest in business and media. LSU pitched a personalized NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) strategy focused on building a global brand around their unique story. The school also offered specialized academic tracks to help the twins launch entrepreneurial ventures while still in school.
3. Community and Legacy: LSU’s passionate fanbase and Southern hospitality played a big part. “It felt like family,” said Jalen. “We wanted to go somewhere that embraced us for who we are, not just how tall we are.”
Already, LSU has seen a surge in ticket interest, merchandise pre-orders, and national media attention. The twins are set to debut in the upcoming 2025-2026 NCAA basketball season and are expected to become the tallest pair of teammates in collegiate history.
While questions remain about how their game will translate at the NCAA level — especially against faster, more experienced opponents — what’s certain is that LSU has landed two of the most fascinating and potentially game-changing recruits in recent memory.
> “We’re not just here to block shots,” Jalen said with a grin. “We’re here to win titles.”
One thing’s for sure: Baton Rouge just got a whole lot bigger.
