WELCOME TO PHOENIX SUNS BASKETBALL: Nation’s No. 1 Player, 7-Foot-9 Phenom, Shocks College Basketball World as He Flips Commitment to Phoenix Suns Over Powerhouses Like Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers

 

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across the basketball world, the nation’s No. 1 high school player, the towering 7-foot-9 sensation known as Zion Harmon II, has announced his commitment—not to a blue-blood NCAA program or a major-market NBA franchise—but to the Phoenix Suns. The record-setting teenager has turned down offers from college basketball’s most dominant programs and flipped a widely expected commitment from the Los Angeles Lakers to instead join the Suns.

This historic decision is already being hailed as a generational turning point—not just for Phoenix, but for professional basketball as a whole.

A Giant Steps into the Valley

At 7-foot-9, Harmon II is the tallest prospect ever ranked No. 1 in the nation. With a rare combination of elite rim protection, shocking agility for his size, and a developing three-point shot, scouts have labeled him “a once-in-a-century unicorn.”

But it’s not just his size that has captivated the basketball world. With a wingspan that exceeds 8 feet, fluid movement reminiscent of Kevin Durant, and defensive instincts on par with Rudy Gobert, Harmon II is viewed as the future face of the NBA.

The decision to sign with the Phoenix Suns—bypassing college entirely and opting into the new “Next Gen NBA Entry Program”—was confirmed in a dramatic press conference on Saturday morning, streamed live to millions of fans around the globe.

Turning Down the Titans

What makes the decision even more surreal is the list of teams Harmon II declined. The Los Angeles Lakers had already posted recruitment teasers on social media. Golden State reportedly offered a mentorship program with Stephen Curry. The LA Clippers were prepared to build their entire 2025 draft strategy around Harmon II, while Duke and Kentucky had each offered full NIL packages worth north of $10 million.

Instead, Harmon II chose the Suns.

“I chose Phoenix because they believed in me—not just the player, but the person I want to become,” Harmon said. “They offered me more than a jersey. They offered me a future, a family, and a franchise to lead.”

A Franchise Reborn

The Phoenix Suns, who’ve seen several up-and-down seasons since their 2021 Finals run, now find themselves at the epicenter of the sport’s next era. Harmon II joins a team led by rising star Devin Booker, defensive anchor Jusuf Nurkić, and veteran mentor Kevin Durant—should Durant opt in for one more season.

General Manager James Jones called it “the most significant moment in franchise history.”

“Zion Harmon II changes everything,” Jones said. “He brings talent, but also energy, leadership, and vision. We’re building around him, and we believe we’re building something that can last a decade.”

Fans and Analysts React

Fans across the Valley celebrated the announcement, with many taking to the streets in downtown Phoenix wearing custom “Z.H. II” jerseys, which sold out within hours online.

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas called it “the biggest recruitment flip in the modern era.”

Meanwhile, social media exploded with reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration. LeBron James tweeted simply, “Whoa 👀 Respect the decision, young king.”

The Road Ahead

Though still just 18, Harmon II will immediately join the Suns’ training camp this summer under the NBA’s updated eligibility guidelines. He is expected to make his debut in the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas, where scouts and fans alike are already preparing for sold-out crowds.

As the next chapter of Phoenix Suns basketball begins, one thing is clear: Zion Harmon II’s arrival is more than just a signing—it’s the start of a new legacy.

Welcome to Phoenix Suns basketball.