CJ Rosser, Obinna Ekezie Jr. Shine in Return to North Carolina at John Wall Holiday Invitational
RALEIGH - Two of the top prospects in the class of 2027 - CJ Rosser and Obinna Ekezie Jr. - shared the floor Saturday at the John Wall Holiday Invitational, giving fans a glimpse of what elite frontcourt talent looks like at the high school level. The Southeastern Prep (Fla.) teammates, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the nation respectively, combined forces in a 56-40 win over Davidson Day School (NC) at Broughton High School.
While the stat sheet showed a modest 12 combined points between the two, the impact Rosser and Ekezie made went far beyond the numbers. This was about presence, timing, and flashes of dominance that remind you why college coaches across the country are circling their names in red ink.
Rosser, a 6-foot-10 forward out of Rocky Mount, NC, made his return to his home state count. After beginning his high school career at Northern Nash, he transferred to Southeastern Prep for his junior season - and Saturday’s game doubled as a homecoming of sorts. It also came just days after he took an unofficial visit to UNC, where he watched the Tar Heels put up a 99-51 statement win over ECU.
Rosser came away impressed with what he saw in Chapel Hill. “I like how they push the pace and how they use each player to the best of their abilities,” he said.
That’s a quote that tells you a lot - not just about UNC’s system, but about Rosser’s basketball IQ. He’s watching how players are utilized, not just how many points they score.
And on the court Saturday, Rosser showed why he’s considered one of the best in the country. Late in the first quarter, he delivered one of the game’s signature moments - swatting a shot on one end, then taking it coast to coast with a spin move and a smooth scoop layup.
It was a sequence that showed off his length, agility, and guard-like touch all in one play. He finished with six points in the first half and hit a major personal milestone, celebrating his 1,000th career point in front of a home-state crowd.
On the other side of the paint, Ekezie Jr. made his return from a five-week injury absence - and wasted no time making his presence felt. The seven-foot center, who transferred to Southeastern Prep from Prolific Prep (Calif.) ahead of his junior season, was back in action and back protecting the rim. He recorded three blocks in the win, anchoring the defense and showing the kind of timing and instincts that can change a game without touching the ball on offense.
“It felt great,” Ekezie said after the game. “Just trying to help my team win and do whatever it takes to win games and win a national championship for our team.”
That team-first mentality is a big part of what makes this Southeastern Prep frontcourt so intriguing. Both players are still developing, still figuring out how to consistently dominate, but the ceiling is sky-high. And they know it.
“I think we’re the best frontcourt in the country,” Ekezie said. “We’re going to be great our senior year.”
Both Rosser and Ekezie have received offers from UNC, though neither has made a decision yet on where they’ll play at the next level. What’s clear is that wherever they land, they’ll bring size, skill, and a competitive edge that coaches dream about.
For now, they’ll continue to build chemistry and chase a tournament title - and if Saturday was any indication, they’re just getting started.