This 7-foot-4 Teen is Hitting Step-Back Threes. Is he the next Wembanyama?
Anwar Stetson
Goliath Got a Bag
Canadian teen Jérémy “Jay” Gohier isn’t even in high school yet, and he’s already one of the tallest athletes in the world. You may have seen a few viral highlights of the giant young hooper dominating his competition at the club level.
Wilt Chamberlain once said “No one roots for Goliath.” But in a world with more and more “unicorns” like Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, fans can’t help but get excited for a young man who could one day compete with some of the best players in the world.
While he can obviously protect the rim and dominate in the paint, the days of the lumbering, unskilled big are long gone. Gohier is more than just a big body; he’s already hitting step-back threes like Steph Curry.
The 14-year-old is a native of Laval, Quebec, and attends George-Vanier School. He plays club ball for Montreal’s Nobél Elite and has also made appearances for the Canadian U16 National Team and Basketball Quebec’s U15 squad.
Prep Hoops’ Spencer Pulliam describes the Class of 2030 prospect as a “commanding presence.”
“Jérémy Gohier maximizes his exceptional length to dominate the boards, consistently making an impact for his team,” Pulliam said. “His ability to track missed shots and use his size effectively creates frequent second-chance opportunities near the basket. Gohier’s presence in the paint is commanding, as he capitalizes on his reach and positioning to secure offensive rebounds and convert them into easy putbacks. His efforts on the glass are a key component of his team’s offensive efficiency.”
Oh, Canada! What Are They Feeding These Kids?
Reports of the young center’s size vary. Prep Network lists him at 7’3″, FIBA lists his height as 7’6”, and on his social media profiles he lists himself at 7’4”. Here he is next to 7’0’’ NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon. You be the judge.
Gohier isn’t the only towering figure from up north to dominate the game. Fellow Quebecois Olivier Rioux made headlines as the tallest player in college basketball last year.
The sophomore at Florida is 7’9” with an eight-foot wingspan! At one point, Rioux was the tallest teenager in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
A bit smaller and a lot stockier than Rioux, Toronto native Zach Edey made a name for himself when he led Purdue to the NCAA National Championship game in 2024. At 7’4″, Edey was drafted with the 9th pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Both Edey and Rioux started their amateur careers in Canada before eventually transferring to prep powerhouse IMG Academy in Florida. If Gohier’s talent is any indication, he could also be headed stateside before his youth career is done.