Helena Frye
UNC basketball recruiting has been making headlines with some highly sought-after prospects. One of the most notable recruits is five-star guard LJ Smith from Lincolnton High School, who refers to UNC as his dream school. Smith, a potent bucket-getter and playmaker, has been on the radar of Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels for months. Another recruit, CJ Rosser, a five-star forward from Northern Nash High School, has also recently received an offer from UNC. These recruits are just a glimpse into the promising future of Carolina basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 10, 2025 |
| School | UNC |
| Publisher | SI |
| Editor and Publisher | Matt Giles |
| Schools Covered | North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, NC State Wolfpack |
| Player | LJ Smith |
| Player Details | 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard |
| Player School | Lincolnton High School |
| Player Offer | Second 2027 UNC basketball offer |
| First Recipient | CJ Rosser |
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What You'll Learn
UNC's recruitment of CJ Rosser
The recruitment of CJ Rosser, a highly-rated young basketball player, has attracted interest from many top college basketball programs, including UNC. Rosser, a 6'9" forward, is ranked as the number 2 player nationally in the class of 2027 by 247Sports, and has the skills to back it up. He averaged 18.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, showcasing his all-around ability.
UNC was one of the first major programs to express interest in Rosser, with assistant coach Marcus Paige leading the recruitment efforts. Paige travelled to Rocky Mount in January 2025 to watch Rosser play, and came away impressed. Rosser's strengths lie in his shooting ability and his versatility—he can play on the perimeter or in the post, and has improved his ball-handling skills.
In addition to his athletic abilities, Rosser's character has also been praised. He is described as humble, family-oriented, and willing to learn. He takes criticism well and is always looking to improve his game, which are qualities that UNC values highly in their recruits.
UNC made their move in March 2025, offering Rosser a spot on their 2027 roster, which he accepted. This early offer is a testament to Rosser's talent and potential, as well as UNC's commitment to securing his services. With other top programs sure to be vying for Rosser's signature, UNC has made a bold statement of intent by making him their first offer of the 2027 recruiting class.
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LJ Smith's interest in UNC
On 23 June 2025, UNC's head coach Hubert Davis offered a scholarship to Lincolnton (N.C.) standout guard LJ Smith, a highly-rated 2027 prospect. This came shortly after Smith's impressive performances at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Smith's interest in UNC was sparked earlier in the year when Assistant coach Jeff Lebo travelled to Lincolnton High School to watch him work out. Smith then took his first visit to UNC, where he watched the Tar Heels win over Pittsburgh. He was quoted as saying:
> "The game was exciting. It was loud and the fans were into it. I was watching RJ Davis a lot because he's their scoring guard and kind of like a combo guard like me. He stayed composed and he didn't let anything rattle him. After the game, we met with all the coaches and a few guys from the team."
Smith has also received offers from numerous other prestigious basketball programmes, including Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and West Virginia. However, he has stated that he wants to keep his options open and take a serious look at all the schools interested in him.
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Hubert Davis' involvement in scouting
As the head coach of the University of North Carolina's (UNC) men's basketball program, Hubert Davis has played a significant role in scouting and recruiting. He was named head coach on April 5, 2021, becoming the first Black head coach in Carolina men's basketball history.
Davis has a unique approach to scouting, informed by his experience as an NBA player. Unlike his predecessors, Davis emphasizes the importance of scouting and utilizes detailed scouting reports, rather than simply indicating who can shoot. This approach has helped establish him as UNC basketball's long-term leader.
In terms of recruiting, Davis has been actively pursuing several promising recruits for the 2025 and 2026 cycles. In December 2023, he showed interest in Jackson Keith, a four-star prospect, by attending his high school games and scouting events.
Davis also has his sights set on several top prospects for the 2026 cycle, including Miikka Muurinen, Cole Cloer, and Tajh Ariza. Muurinen is a four-star prospect with family ties to UNC, while Cloer is a highly-ranked 4-star small forward from Florida. Davis has personally coached Ariza at a USA Basketball minicamp, fostering a relationship that could be beneficial for recruiting.
Additionally, Davis' involvement in the 2025 USA Basketball Men's U19 National Team training camp in Colorado presented him with a valuable recruiting opportunity. He was selected as one of the supporting court coaches, allowing him to connect with several early Tar Heel offer holders and potential recruits.
Davis' efforts in scouting and recruiting demonstrate his commitment to building a strong team and establishing his own path as UNC's head coach.
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Jeff Lebo's school visit
Jeff Lebo, Tar Heel assistant, paid a school visit to the 6-foot-4, 180-pound, five-star guard LJ Smith in early February. Smith, who has been on Hubert Davis & Co.'s recruiting radar for months, referred to UNC as his "dream school".
Lebo's school visit to Smith is a testament to the university's interest in the young athlete. Smith has proven his prowess on the court, averaging 33.1 points per game this season and setting a new North Carolina sophomore scoring record. Lebo's visit was likely an opportunity to evaluate Smith's skills and potential, as well as discuss UNC's basketball program and the opportunities it could offer Smith.
The visit also served as a chance for Lebo to assess Smith's academic standing and ensure he was on track with his grades and coursework. Discussions may have included Smith's academic goals and how UNC could support his educational aspirations alongside his athletic career. Lebo might have also inquired about Smith's extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community involvement, all of which contribute to a well-rounded student-athlete profile.
During Lebo's school visit, he likely met with Smith's coaches and teachers to gather insights on Smith's character, work ethic, and potential areas for growth. These conversations provided a more holistic understanding of Smith as a prospective student-athlete. Additionally, Lebo may have taken the opportunity to tour the school's athletic facilities and visualize where Smith could train and develop his skills as a member of the Tar Heels.
The visit by Lebo to Smith's school is a significant step in the recruiting process, indicating that UNC is seriously considering Smith for their basketball program. It showcases the university's proactive approach to recruiting top talent and underlines the importance of building relationships with prospective student-athletes and their support systems. Lebo's visit sets the stage for further discussions, campus visits, and the potential offer of an athletic scholarship to Smith.
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UNC's loss to Duke
Smith's presence at the game underscores the significance of the rivalry between UNC and Duke, which extends beyond the court and into the realm of recruiting. With Smith being courted by both programs, the outcome of the game could have potentially swayed his decision. UNC's loss, however, does not diminish their appeal to recruits, as they remain a prominent and historic program with a dedicated following.
While the loss to Duke may have been a missed opportunity to showcase UNC's prowess, the program has much more to offer beyond a single game. UNC boasts a rich basketball history, with a tradition of developing talented players and a passionate fan base. The Tar Heel assistant, Jeff Lebo, has been actively involved in recruiting, personally checking in on prospects like Smith at their schools. This level of dedication and personal connection can be a significant factor in recruiting, even in light of on-court setbacks.
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Frequently asked questions
Five-star forward CJ Rosser from Northern Nash High School became the first 2027 UNC basketball offer recipient.
Lincolnton High School's five-star guard LJ Smith, who has referred to UNC as his "dream school".
Matt Giles, who has been dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of college basketball programs since joining UNC on SI in 2023.
Everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates for UNC, Duke, and NC State.
Yes, LJ Smith has been to Chapel Hill twice in a matter of months to watch the Tar Heels in action.
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