In a jaw-dropping twist that has the basketball world buzzing, the University of North Carolina has officially landed commitments from 8-foot-tall twin brothers, Marcus and Malcolm Steele — the tallest recruits in NCAA history.
The brothers, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, had been heavily courted by powerhouse programs like Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky. But in a move no one saw coming, the towering duo announced their commitment to UNC late Monday night via a live-streamed video that quickly went viral.
> “It wasn’t about hype — it was about home,” Marcus said.
> “Coach Davis didn’t treat us like a spectacle,” added Malcolm. “He saw our potential, not just our height.”
At just 17, the Steele twins have already become national sensations, dominating prep basketball circuits with their freakish size, shot-blocking instincts, and surprisingly smooth perimeter games. Despite their towering frames, both players have shown agility, touch, and vision, drawing comparisons to a hybrid of Victor Wembanyama and the Lopez brothers.
UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis called the twins’ decision a “game-changing moment” for the program.
> “These are young men who understand the work it takes to be great. They’re not just tall — they’re smart, humble, and hungry to learn,” Davis said. “We’re not just adding height. We’re adding a whole new dimension to our team.”
Sources close to the family say the deciding factor wasn’t NIL money or media spotlight — it was culture. The Steele twins were reportedly impressed by UNC’s focus on player development, academic support, and team chemistry.
> “Everyone saw us as a circus act,” their father, Henry Steele, told reporters. “But UNC treated my sons like student-athletes — not sideshow attractions.”
The commitment has already caused a stir online, with social media flooded by reactions ranging from disbelief to sheer excitement.
> “TWO EIGHT-FOOTERS. AT UNC. THIS IS NOT REAL,” one fan posted on X.
With the addition of the Steele twins, UNC’s 2027 recruiting class now ranks No. 1 nationally — and expectations for a national title just skyrocketed.
One thing is certain: College basketball will never look quite the same again.
