It’s Official: Purdue’s 7-Foot-9 Star Shocks College Basketball World, Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Duke, NC State, Alabama

 

 

 

It’s Official: Purdue’s 7-Foot-9 Star Shocks College Basketball World, Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Duke, NC State, Alabama

 

By ESPN Staff Writer

 

In a move that’s shaking the foundation of college basketball, the nation’s No. 1 high school player — and tallest ever recruit at an eye-popping 7 feet 9 inches — has stunned fans and analysts alike by flipping his commitment from Purdue to the University of Michigan.

 

Yes, you read that right.

 

The towering center, Elijah “Eli” Warren from Oak Hill Academy (VA), had been verbally committed to Purdue for the past nine months, widely expected to follow in the footsteps of Boilermaker great Zach Edey. But in a bombshell announcement on Wednesday morning, Warren posted a statement and highlight reel on social media revealing his new destination: Juwan Howard’s Michigan Wolverines.

 

“I want to thank Coach Painter and Purdue Nation for everything, but after careful thought and prayer, I’ve decided to commit to the University of Michigan,” Warren said. “Go Blue.”

 

Within minutes, Warren’s flip was trending nationwide. Analysts scrambled to dissect what led the 7-foot-9 phenom — nicknamed “The Sky Tower” — to turn away from the Big Ten favorite and instead join a Michigan program looking to rebound after a rocky 2024-25 season.

 

According to sources close to Warren, the decision came down to long-term development and branding opportunities.

 

“Coach Howard’s NBA experience really spoke to Elijah,” said one recruiting insider. “He sees himself not just as a college star, but a pro in the making. Michigan’s new NIL structure, paired with Howard’s one-on-one mentorship plan, helped seal the deal.”

 

Warren, who averaged 29.2 points, 15.7 rebounds, and a record 6.1 blocks per game last season, is already a viral sensation. Standing nearly 8 feet tall, he can dunk without jumping and dominates on both ends of the floor with a mix of rim protection, soft touch, and surprising agility for his size.

 

Several powerhouse programs, including Duke, NC State, and Alabama, were rumored to have made last-minute pitches. But Michigan, once considered out of the running after missing the NCAA Tournament this past year, emerged as the surprise winner.

 

Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Let’s work. Welcome to the family, Eli.”

 

Fans at Purdue are understandably stunned. Warren had appeared in Purdue gear at events, scrimmaged with future teammates, and was widely seen as the next face of the program. Now, they’ll have to watch him suit up in maize and blue instead.

 

“It’s a gut punch,” one Purdue fan tweeted. “This one’s gonna hurt for a long time.”

 

For Michigan, however, the tides may be turning. With Warren’s commitment, the Wolverines now boast the No. 1 incoming class in the nation, and expectations are skyrocketing.

 

“He’s a program-changer,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas. “At 7-9, with coordination and touch, he’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen at this level. Michigan just became a national contender again overnight.”

 

The countdown to college basketball’s next chapter just got a lot more interesting — and a whole lot taller.