With a week off for the holidays, the UNC basketball program took full advantage of the downtime-not by resting, but by hitting the recruiting trail. Head coach Hubert Davis didn’t have to travel far, either. Just down the road in Raleigh, the annual John Wall Holiday Invitational offered a prime opportunity to check in on some of the Tar Heels’ top 2027 prospects.
And Davis didn’t go just to spectate. He showed up with purpose, keeping a close eye on a pair of high-upside talents who are already squarely on UNC’s radar.
Two Targets, One Frontcourt
Southeastern Prep rolled into the tournament with a loaded frontcourt-and two names that should sound familiar to Tar Heel fans watching the recruiting scene: CJ Rosser and Obinna Ekezie Jr.
Rosser, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2027 class, is fresh off an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill. While his offensive output wasn’t explosive in this particular outing-he finished with eight points-his impact was still felt across the floor.
Rosser added six rebounds, two blocks, and an assist, showing off the kind of all-around game that makes him such a coveted prospect. Before tipoff, he was honored for reaching 1,000 career points, a milestone that speaks to both his talent and consistency at a young age.
Ekezie, meanwhile, is just getting back into the rhythm of live action after missing significant time with an injury. He looked like a player still knocking off some rust, but his presence was still felt defensively with three blocks to go along with three points. The chemistry between Rosser and Ekezie is already evident, and it’s not hard to imagine them continuing that partnership at the next level-especially if UNC can make the right pitch.
Beckham Black Makes His Case
While Rosser and Ekezie are already on UNC’s radar with offers in hand, another Southeastern Prep standout might be playing his way into that conversation. Guard Beckham Black doesn’t yet hold an offer from the Tar Heels, but performances like the one he delivered in Raleigh will certainly keep the coaching staff interested.
Black was the standout of the trio, scoring 14 points on an ultra-efficient 5-of-6 shooting night. He poured in 12 of those points in the second half, showing poise and scoring touch when it mattered most.
Add in six assists and a pair of rebounds, and you’ve got a guard who’s not just scoring, but making plays for others. If he keeps this up, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see UNC’s interest deepen.
Davis Not Alone on the Trail
Hubert Davis wasn’t the only coach with a courtside seat. Duke’s Jon Scheyer was also in the building, scouting 2027 targets of his own. NC State head coach Will Wade made the short trip as well, along with assistants from a who’s who of major programs-Michigan, Georgetown, Louisville, Mississippi State, and more.
It’s a reminder that recruiting battles in this region, especially for top-tier talent like Rosser and Ekezie, are going to be fierce. The presence of so many high-profile programs underscores just how competitive the 2027 class is shaping up to be.
Tar Heel Blueprint Could Be the Difference
For Rosser in particular, there’s a compelling vision in Chapel Hill. Watching how UNC is using a versatile forward like Caleb Wilson this season has to be appealing.
Rosser has a similar skill set-length, mobility, and the ability to impact both ends of the floor. If he sees himself in that role, the Tar Heels could have a real shot at landing him.
And if Rosser does choose Carolina, don’t be surprised if he brings Ekezie along with him. The two already have a strong on-court connection, and continuing that chemistry at the college level could be an enticing draw.
For now, it’s still early in the 2027 cycle, but performances like these-and the attention they’re drawing-are laying the groundwork for what could be a pivotal recruiting class for UNC.