No .I America player Commits TO pacers basketball 7-Foot-9 Tall Flips Commitment to Indiana Pacers Over Powerhouses Like Duke, NC State, and
7-Foot-9 Phenom Flips Commitment to Indiana Pacers Over NCAA Powerhouses Like Duke and NC State
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through both collegiate and professional basketball circles, No. 1 American basketball prospect and towering 7-foot-9 phenom, Elijah Thompson, has officially flipped his commitment from college powerhouses to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. Originally committed to play for Duke, with NC State also in hot pursuit, Thompson’s decision to skip college basketball altogether and head straight to the professional ranks marks one of the most surprising and unprecedented moves in recent hoops history.
The 18-year-old center from Chesapeake, Virginia, was widely considered a once-in-a-generation talent, combining a rare blend of elite height, mobility, and basketball IQ. With his historic 7-foot-9 frame—making him the tallest prospect ever in U.S. basketball—Thompson had drawn comparisons to legends like Yao Ming and Ralph Sampson. However, unlike those who made their names at the college level before turning pro, Thompson is blazing his own trail.
A Shockwave Through College Basketball
Thompson’s initial commitment to Duke was headline news in itself. The Blue Devils, under head coach Jon Scheyer, were hoping to build their 2025 recruiting class around the big man. NC State, a longtime rival of Duke, had also thrown everything into recruiting Thompson, making personal visits and highlighting his fit in their fast-paced system.
Yet despite these efforts, Thompson made a last-minute pivot that left both fan bases stunned. On May 30, 2025, Thompson’s representatives confirmed that he had signed a developmental contract with the Indiana Pacers, opting to bypass the NCAA entirely. In a statement, Thompson said, “I have nothing but respect for the programs that believed in me. But at this point in my journey, I feel ready to take the next step toward becoming a professional. The Pacers believe in my vision, and I believe in theirs.”
The Pacers’ Big Bet
The Indiana Pacers have not traditionally been known for bold roster moves, but this commitment marks a strategic shift in the organization’s philosophy. Thompson will join the Pacers as part of a newly implemented “NextGen Elite Program,” a hybrid between the NBA roster and its G League affiliate, designed to nurture elite high school talent in a professional setting without NCAA restrictions.
The Pacers’ front office, led by General Manager Chad Buchanan, sees Thompson as more than just a tall project. “We’re not signing him just because of his height,” Buchanan said. “Elijah has elite footwork, vision, and a defensive presence that’s game-changing. We see him as a future All-Star who can anchor our franchise for the next decade.”
Thompson is expected to begin his journey with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers’ G League team, where he’ll be mentored by veterans while gradually being integrated into the Pacers’ long-term system. His unique frame has required specialized conditioning and nutritional plans, which Indiana’s staff has already begun crafting with sports scientists and trainers.
A Sign of Changing Times
Thompson’s decision also highlights a growing trend among elite basketball prospects who are rethinking the traditional college route. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and professional options such as the G League Ignite and overseas contracts, many top athletes are prioritizing early access to development resources, endorsement opportunities, and competition at a higher level.
However, skipping college is still a rare move for a top American player—especially one who had already committed to a program like Duke. “This move could shift the power balance,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “If more high school stars follow Elijah’s lead, we could see a decline in elite talent choosing college, especially when NBA teams are willing to invest in them from day one.”
Eyes on the Future
The pressure now turns to Thompson and the Pacers to make the gamble pay off. While his height has wowed scouts and fans alike, some analysts caution that success will hinge on his ability to adapt to the physicality and speed of the pro game. Questions about durability, agility, and offensive versatility remain, but Thompson’s early performances at high school and AAU levels indicate a high ceiling.
“Elijah has been underestimated before,” said his high school coach Marcus Reynolds. “But he works harder than anyone in the gym, and he wants to be great—not just tall.”
Pacers fans now have a unique reason for optimism. In a league where size still matters—especially when paired with skill and intelligence—Elijah Thompson could be the key to Indiana’s resurgence as an NBA powerhouse. His path may be unconventional, but it’s one that could redefine how the game’s future stars reach the league.
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