CJ Rosser is already drawing the kind of buzz that usually follows a college star, not a high school junior.
The 5-star forward has become one of the biggest names in the 2027 class, with SC Next 100 ranking him fourth overall. North Carolina has been in the mix for a while, and Rosser has already taken an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels are far from alone, though. Kentucky, NC State, Maryland, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida State, Kansas, BYU and USC have also been in contact.
Rosser, who plays at Southeastern Prep in Florida, brings a polished, versatile game to the frontcourt. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season, then backed that up with a strong run for Team USA at the FIBA U17 World Cup this year. In seven appearances, he put up 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 61 percent from the field and 37 percent from three.
That production has helped fuel some serious NBA-level comparisons. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi linked Rosser to Brandon Ingram and Jabari Smith Jr., and he explained why in detail.
“Not only is Rosser a shot-maker, he's now rebounding at a higher rate, which makes him one of the nation's premier forwards. Like Smith, Rosser has the potential to develop into a catch-and-shoot threat, and he has a beautiful, projectable stroke even if he has struggled from deep in EYBL play,” Biancardi said.
“He could challenge defenses in dribble handoffs much like Smith as well. An improved handle and stronger lower base have helped Rosser develop into a better downhill scorer, and he's comfortable utilizing ball screens, mirroring some elements of Ingram's offensive game. Rosser was also part of the gold medal-winning Team USA that won the FIBA U17 World Cup, leading the roster in the final game against Serbia with 23 points.”
The Ingram-Smith comparisons make sense when you look at Rosser’s game. Smith has grown into a floor-spacing big who can still attack off the dribble in bursts, while Ingram has built his career as a smooth, high-volume scorer with the ball in his hands. Rosser flashes pieces of both, and he’s using his length the way elite forwards do.
For UNC, that kind of talent would be a major win if it can land him.
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For North Carolina, the appeal goes beyond simply being in the race. Spears would be the sort of early statement addition that can help a new staff show it can still land elite talent at the highest level, and the Tar Heels have a real opening to make their case before the field gets smaller. His recruitment is expected to tighten soon, so the next stretch could tell a lot about whether UNC is positioned as a serious contender or just one of several heavyweight programs hoping to stay in the conversation. [Read more 🡒]