Amanda Rizzi, No. 1 Player in America, Stands 8.5 Feet Tall, Commits to LSU Over Tennessee and Georgia
In one of the most jaw-dropping recruiting moments in college basketball history, Amanda Rizzi โ the No. 1 ranked high school basketball player in America โ has officially committed to the LSU womenโs basketball program. What sets Rizzi apart isn’t just her unmatched dominance on the court but her staggering height: at 8.5 feet tall, she stands nearly three feet taller than the average NCAA player.
The towering 18-year-old phenom from Rapid Creek High in Nevada made her announcement Friday afternoon during a nationally televised press conference. Rizzi chose LSU over strong offers from longtime powerhouse Tennessee and rising SEC rival Georgia, electrifying the Tigers’ fan base and sending shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world.
โI felt like LSU is home,โ Rizzi said, seated next to her 6’3″ mother and 6’7″ father, both former collegiate athletes. โCoach Kim Mulkey has a vision, and I want to be part of it. I want to win championships and make history.โ
At 8.5 feet tall, Rizzi is believed to be the tallest basketball player โ male or female โ to ever commit to an NCAA program. Her size gives her a unique advantage on the court, often rendering opponents powerless in the paint. In her senior season, she averaged 47.2 points, 31.6 rebounds, and an astonishing 14.4 blocks per game while shooting 92% from the field โ many of her shots taken without leaving the ground.
โSheโs not just tall โ sheโs skilled,โ said ESPN recruiting analyst Maria Connelly. โRizzi moves like a guard, sees the floor like a point forward, and her wingspan is over 10 feet. This isnโt just hype โ itโs a generational talent.โ
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey could hardly contain her excitement. โWith Amanda, weโre looking at a once-in-a-lifetime player,โ Mulkey said. โSheโs humble, hardworking, and ready to make Baton Rouge her home. The SEC better be ready.โ
Tennessee and Georgia, both in the final three for Rizziโs commitment, expressed admiration and respect for her decision. Tennessee coach Kellie Harper noted, โWe gave it our best, and sheโs going to do great things at LSU.โ
Amanda Rizzi is expected to immediately start as a freshman and transform LSU into an even more formidable contender in the race for national titles. Already hailed as the most physically unique player in basketball history, Rizziโs journey at LSU will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and scouts around the world.
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