**DEAL Not Confirmed: 7‑Foot‑9 American No. One Star Shocks College Basketball World, DE Commit from Tar Heels Flips to Florida Over Powerhouse Programs Duke, NC State, and Tennessee**

**DEAL Not Confirmed: 7‑Foot‑9 American No. One Star Olivier Rioux, Shocks College Basketball World, DE Commit from Tar Heels Flips to Florida Over Powerhouse Programs Duke, NC State, and Tennessee**

In what may become one of the most talked‑about twists of this recruiting season, news has broken that the much‑hyped 7‑foot‑9 American basketball phenom — previously considered a certain commit to the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels — is now reportedly flipping to the University of Florida, choosing the Gators over traditional blueblood suitors like Duke, NC State, and Tennessee. While nothing is yet confirmed, the ripple effects are already being felt across the college basketball landscape.

Rumors began swirling soon after the announcement that the massive center had verbally committed to UNC, sending shockwaves in the media and fan circles. Many saw it as a defining moment for Hubert Davis and the Tar Heel program—securing a generational talent with unmatched height, wingspan, and upside. The Tar Heels, already a storied program, appeared to land a major foundational piece for their future. But those hopes may now be in jeopardy.

According to multiple unconfirmed reports, the recruit is reconsidering his earlier pledge. The new narrative holds that Florida has made an aggressive late push — through personal overtures, program pitch, NIL assurances, and promises of playing time — to flip the commitment. Sources suggest that the Gators’ development path, together with SEC exposure and institutional promise, were key in swaying the decision.

The implications are massive. If the 7‑foot‑9 prodigy does indeed land in Gainesville, Florida would instantly vault into the elite tier of programs with claim to the best frontcourt in the nation. His presence would reshape Florida’s roster plans, strategies in the paint, and national recruiting credibility. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels would suffer a major recruiting blow, forced to rework expectations for their class and potentially scramble to fill a glaring gap.

Duke, NC State, and Tennessee — all of whom had eyes on the recruit — are left reeling by this sudden turn of events. Duke’s historically loaded pipelines and brand appeal were once thought to be the front‑running advantages; NC State’s steady growth and local recruiting presence gave it an edge; and Tennessee’s fan base and resources made it a dark horse. Losing this recruit would represent a setback for each of those programs’ ambitions in the coming years.

Some analysts caution that the flip is not yet finalized. The phrase “deal not confirmed” is being echoed in recruiting circles: nothing is binding until ink hits paper, medical checks are done, NCAA compliance is cleared, and the recruit himself posts the formal announcement. Recruiting insiders note that verbal commitments — especially high-profile ones — can and do change, sometimes at the last minute. As such, both the Tar Heels and the Gators are said to be keeping lines open, deploying staff, and making final persuasive efforts.

If the flip becomes reality, it would likely rank among the most dramatic recruiting reversals in recent memory: a 7‑foot‑9 no. one recruit backing off from a powerhouse UNC pledge to join Florida over Duke, NC State, and Tennessee. Regardless of the final outcome, this saga has already underscored just how heated and unpredictable the recruiting wars can be at the highest levels.

As fans, coaches, and media watch closely, the next few days may bring clarity. But for now, the message is clear: in the modern era of college basketball recruiting, no commitment — however monumental it seems — is ever truly safe.