8-Foot-Tall Twins Shock the World – State Their Reasons for Committing to UNC
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college basketball world, identical 8-foot-tall twins, Malik and Malyk Thompson, announced their commitment to the University of North Carolina on Saturday afternoon. The unprecedented duo, hailing from Oakland, California, are already being hailed as the most physically unique recruits in NCAA history—and they’re heading to Chapel Hill with something to prove.
Standing at a jaw-dropping 8 feet tall and weighing 285 pounds each, the Thompson twins have become viral sensations due to their rare height and surprising agility. But it’s not just size that caught the eyes of elite college programs—it’s skill. Malik, a dominant rim protector with an 11-foot standing reach, averaged 7.4 blocks per game during his senior season. His brother, Malyk, is a fluid, stretch-five who shot 38% from beyond the arc, showcasing an ability to space the floor rarely seen in players of his stature.
Despite receiving offers from basketball blue bloods like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas, the twins chose UNC in what they describe as a “destiny fulfilled.”
“We grew up watching legends like Vince Carter, Tyler Hansbrough, and more recently, Armando Bacot,” Malik said at their commitment ceremony, held in front of a packed gym at Oakland’s Skyline High. “But what stood out to us wasn’t just the tradition. It was Coach Hubert Davis and the way he sees us—not just as tall players, but as complete players.”
Malyk added, “Coach Davis didn’t just talk about minutes or exposure. He talked about growth, family, and legacy. We felt like he really saw us—not as a gimmick, not as a marketing tool, but as brothers who want to win championships and grow as men.”
The Thompsons’ decision instantly transforms UNC’s 2025 recruiting class into the No. 1 ranked group in the nation. More than that, their arrival reignites dreams of another deep March Madness run for the Tar Heels. While some experts have questioned how players of such size will fare in the speed-driven, perimeter-oriented college game, others see the twins as game-changers.
“These are not just tall guys,” said ESPN’s Paul Biancardi. “They move, they pass, they think the game. UNC didn’t just land a viral headline. They landed two potential lottery picks.”
Beyond basketball, the twins also hinted at long-term goals. Malik is interested in biomechanics and wants to understand the science behind their growth, while Malyk dreams of one day using his platform to inspire kids with rare genetic traits.
“We know what people say about us—that we’re freaks or that this is all some sideshow,” Malyk said. “But we’re here to ball. To dominate. And to make our own history.”
With their decision now official, Tar Heel Nation is buzzing. Chapel Hill hasn’t seen anything quite like this—and the college basketball world may never be the same.
