UConn has its first pledge in the 2027 class, and it comes with plenty of pedigree.
NaVorro Bowman Jr., a five-star guard and the No. 11 player in the 2027 cycle according to 247Sports, committed to Dan Hurley and the Huskies on Thursday. He’s the son of former NFL All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman, and his decision gives UConn an early head start in a class that is already sitting at No. 11 in the 247Sports team rankings.
Bowman plays at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, and had drawn serious attention from Arizona and Texas during the recruiting process. After visiting UConn last week, he moved quickly to end the chase and announce his commitment to the Huskies.
The addition also continues Hurley’s run of landing elite talent. Bowman becomes the fourth five-star recruit Hurley and his staff have secured since 2023, joining Stephon Castle in 2023, Liam McNeeley in 2024 and Braylon Mullins in 2025.
247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein described Bowman as already "physical and functionally strong" and a "rapidly ascending guard who combines physicality, athleticism, playmaking, and shot-making."
Finkelstein also pointed to the parts of Bowman’s game that make him such a difficult evaluation for opposing defenses: "While he's a bit of a volume scorer, who shot 42% from the floor on 17 attempts per game, he's talented with the ball and a true three-range threat. He handles, has stop-and-go change of pace, sharp changes of direction, a good left hand, and the physicality to initiate and absorb contact.
He's a tough shot-maker off the dribble, with pull-up range that now extends well beyond the arc, and while there are still times he can settle (33% from three on 6+ attempts per game), he can also make shots in bunches. His ability to pressure the rim and make plays has improved significantly.
He can not only get downhill with real force, but he's a quality passer when he wants to be, albeit still somewhat turnover prone at times (2.3 per game). So, while he plays with a clear scoring mentality, he has growing on/off ball versatility."
UConn’s 2026 class already includes two top-50 players, Colben Landrew and Junior County, and that group finished 19th in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings. Bowman gives the Huskies their first commitment for 2027, but the class is already off to a strong start on paper.
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