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In one of the most jaw-dropping turns in college basketball recruitment history, the 7-foot-9 Guinness World Record holder for the tallest basketball player has completely upended the sport’s landscape. Initially committed to powerhouse Michigan State, the towering center appeared set to join a blue-blood program and become a cornerstone of their future. But in a shocking move that has stunned fans, analysts, and recruiters alike, he has announced that he will instead be playing for Kentucky State University, a Division II school that has never before landed a player of this magnitude—literally or figuratively.
The high school phenom, who has become a global sensation not only for his height but for his remarkable agility, soft shooting touch, and high basketball IQ, was courted by nearly every major program in the country. Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, and Texas were all reported to have made aggressive NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offers estimated to be worth millions of dollars. Industry insiders claimed the figure could have reached upwards of $8 million in total sponsorships and endorsements.
Yet despite the alluring financial packages and opportunities to shine on the biggest stages of college basketball, the 7-foot-9 center opted for a different path—one defined by loyalty, humility, and a strong personal vision.
Initially, the player reaffirmed his verbal commitment to Michigan State, citing respect for Coach Tom Izzo’s legacy and a desire to develop in a program with a track record of producing NBA-ready talent. That alone surprised some, given the magnitude of competing offers. But just days later, in a move that no one saw coming, he announced his decommitment from Michigan State and his decision to attend Kentucky State, an HBCU and member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
“I want to build something special,” the young star said during a live-streamed announcement. “Basketball has taken me places I never imagined, but it’s about more than money or fame. I want to uplift a program, inspire others, and show that greatness can come from anywhere.”
Kentucky State, while traditionally overlooked in national basketball conversations, now finds itself thrust into the limelight. Head Coach Jamaal Jackson praised the decision as “transformational,” noting that the player’s choice shows that “character still matters in college athletics.”
The move echoes the recent trend of high-profile athletes choosing to attend HBCUs, a cultural shift driven by a desire to empower historically underrepresented institutions and bring competitive balance to college sports. Yet never before has a player of such physical prominence and global notoriety taken such a step.
Social media exploded with reactions, with NBA stars, coaches, and celebrities praising the bold decision. “That’s how you change the game,” tweeted LeBron James. “Much respect.”
Whether this gamble pays off in terms of exposure, development, and professional advancement remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Kentucky State—and college basketball as a whole—will never be the same again.
