ESPN 🆕: Guinness World Record Holder Rejects Multi-Million Dollar SEC Deals to Commit to Michigan State!
Historic Move Shakes Up College Hoops as Tallest Player in the World Turns Down Florida, Kentucky, and Texas for a Spartan Dream!
By: Evan Kingsley, Senior College Hoops Analyst – June 23, 2025
In one of the most electrifying and unconventional college basketball decisions in recent memory, 7-foot-9 phenom Elijah “Eli” Mbawe—officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the Tallest Active Basketball Player in the World—has stunned the basketball world by committing to Michigan State University, snubbing jaw-dropping NIL offers from powerhouse SEC programs including Kentucky, Florida, and Texas.
Mbawe, the 18-year-old South Sudanese-born center, has been a global sensation since age 15. Standing at a breathtaking 7’9″ without shoes and sporting an 8’2″ wingspan, his viral highlight reels have drawn comparisons to a young Yao Ming, but with the agility of a modern big man. What sets Eli apart, however, isn’t just his towering height—it’s his unshakable loyalty and cerebral approach to the game.
Sources close to the situation confirm that Mbawe turned down three SEC offers collectively worth over $6.8 million in NIL endorsements, including a $2.5 million package from Texas and a sneaker deal with a major global brand contingent on him committing to Florida.
Instead, he chose East Lansing.
> “This decision isn’t about money. It’s about legacy, development, and building something meaningful,” said Mbawe in a televised statement. “Coach Izzo believed in me before the hype. He didn’t promise millions—he promised mentorship, accountability, and a shot at greatness.”
Tom Izzo, entering his 31st season at the helm of the Spartans, called the commitment “the most meaningful moment” of his coaching career.
> “Elijah is the kind of player you don’t coach every day. But it’s not just about his height—it’s his mind, his heart, and his maturity. We’re not just getting a once-in-a-generation athlete—we’re getting a leader,” Izzo said.
Elijah Mbawe grew up in a refugee camp near the Nile River and moved to Canada with his mother at age 10. He learned English in three years, aced his SATs, and graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA. A self-described “basketball nerd,” Mbawe studies game tape of Hakeem Olajuwon and Nikola Jokić obsessively and reportedly practices footwork drills for hours a day in addition to yoga and ballet to hone his balance.
His impact on the court is undeniable. At the 2024 U18 World Championships, he averaged 23.7 points, 17.4 rebounds, and 6.1 blocks per game, leading Canada to a silver medal. Scouts say he has the touch of a guard, the defensive presence of a seasoned pro, and the motor of a high-level competitor.
Mbawe will join a Michigan State roster already poised for a deep tournament run. With this addition, they’re projected to enter the 2025–26 season as a Top 3 preseason favorite and a legitimate Final Four contender.
Industry experts say this decision may reshape the NIL landscape, signaling that culture, coaching, and personal development can still outweigh raw financial incentives.
> “He just changed the game,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “Elijah choosing Michigan State over millions shows that for elite players, college basketball can still be about more than just the bag. It’s about vision.”
Fans in East Lansing flooded social media with the hashtag #SpartanGiant as Mbawe’s announcement went viral, amassing over 20 million views in 24 hours.
The tallest player in college basketball history has spoken—and his message is loud, clear, and Spartan green.
