UNC Basketball Makes Power Move, Extends Offer to Elite In-State Guard LJ Smith, Ranked No. 29 in Class of 2027
The North Carolina Tar Heels have made a significant early statement in the 2027 recruiting cycle by extending a scholarship offer to one of the most promising young talents in the country—LJ Smith, a dynamic in-state guard currently ranked No. 29 nationally in his class. This move signals UNC’s intent to lock down top-tier local talent early, ensuring the pipeline of elite prospects to Chapel Hill remains strong under head coach Hubert Davis. For Smith, this offer represents a major milestone in what could be a meteoric rise in high school basketball, and for the Tar Heels, it’s a crucial step in securing the next potential star to wear Carolina blue.
Smith, a 6’3″ combo guard from North Carolina, has been turning heads with his advanced scoring ability, explosive athleticism, and high basketball IQ. Though still early in his development, his game already showcases the kind of versatility and polish that makes college coaches take notice. He can score at all three levels, create for teammates, and defend multiple positions—traits that align perfectly with UNC’s fast-paced, guard-friendly system. The Tar Heels have a storied history of developing elite guards, from Michael Jordan and Vince Carter to more recent standouts like Coby White and Cole Anthony. If Smith continues on his current trajectory, he could very well be the next in that legendary lineage.
For Hubert Davis and his staff, prioritizing in-state talent has always been a cornerstone of their recruiting philosophy. North Carolina is a hotbed for high school basketball talent, and keeping the best players home has been a key factor in the program’s sustained success. Over the years, UNC has missed out on some major in-state prospects—most notably losing Zion Williamson to Duke in 2018—which makes locking down players like Smith even more critical. The Tar Heels have already secured commitments from top 2025 and 2026 recruits, but extending an offer this early to a 2027 prospect shows just how highly they think of Smith’s potential.
The competition for Smith’s commitment will undoubtedly be fierce. While UNC is the first blue-blood program to offer, it’s only a matter of time before other powerhouse schools like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas enter the mix. Duke, in particular, has been relentless in recruiting elite guards under Jon Scheyer, and the Blue Devils’ recent success with one-and-done players could be a major selling point. Kentucky’s reputation for developing NBA talent under Mark Pope (or whoever is coaching by 2027) will also be a factor, and Kansas’ track record with guards under Bill Self can’t be ignored. The battle for Smith’s signature is just beginning, and UNC will need to stay aggressive to fend off the inevitable challengers.
What makes Smith such a coveted prospect at this stage? Beyond his obvious physical tools, his maturity and work ethic have drawn praise from scouts and coaches alike. He plays with a poise beyond his years, showing an ability to control the tempo of games and make smart decisions under pressure. His shooting stroke is smooth and repeatable, and he’s already comfortable creating his own shot off the dribble—a skill that translates well to the college level. Defensively, he has the length and quickness to be a disruptive force, and as he continues to fill out his frame, he could develop into a true two-way player.
The Tar Heels’ early offer could give them a significant edge in Smith’s recruitment. Building a relationship with a prospect years in advance has become increasingly important in modern recruiting, and UNC’s willingness to invest in Smith this early sends a strong message about how much they value him. The program’s history, combined with the chance to play in front of home-state fans at the Dean Smith Center, could be a powerful draw. Additionally, UNC’s recent success with guards—RJ Davis’ All-American season, Caleb Love’s NCAA Tournament heroics (before his transfer), and Elliot Cadeau’s emergence as a floor general—provides a clear blueprint for how Smith could thrive in Chapel Hill.
Of course, projecting a player’s trajectory three years before he steps foot on a college campus is an inexact science. Growth spurts, skill development, and competition level all play a role in how a prospect evolves between their freshman and senior years of high school. But Smith’s early film suggests a player with the tools to be a high-major impact recruit, and UNC’s coaching staff clearly sees him as a future cornerstone.
For Smith, the offer from North Carolina is both an honor and a challenge. The spotlight will only intensify from here, and every performance—good or bad—will be scrutinized by fans and analysts. But if he continues to develop at his current rate, he could find himself climbing even higher in the national rankings, potentially into five-star territory. The Tar Heels are betting on that upside, and if it pays off, Smith could be the centerpiece of a future championship-contending team.
The broader implications of this offer extend beyond just one recruit. By targeting Smith so early, UNC is sending a message to other elite 2027 prospects that they’re serious about building something special for that class. Recruiting is often about momentum, and securing a commitment from a player of Smith’s caliber could help attract other top-tier talent to join him. The Tar Heels have a history of assembling stacked recruiting classes—think 2005 (Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green), 2016 (Tony Bradley, Seventh Woods), and 2020 (Caleb Love, RJ Davis)—and Smith could be the first domino to fall in another elite group.
As for what’s next, Smith will likely take his time with the recruiting process, weighing his options and taking unofficial visits to campuses over the next year or two. UNC will need to stay engaged, continuing to build that relationship while also scouting other potential 2027 targets. The recruiting world moves fast, and while Smith is a priority, the Tar Heels will also be evaluating other guards in case his recruitment trends elsewhere.
One thing is certain: This is just the beginning of what could be a defining recruitment for both LJ Smith and the UNC basketball program. If the Tar Heels can land him, it could set the stage for another golden era in Chapel Hill. If they miss out, it’ll be a reminder of how competitive modern recruiting has become. Either way, all eyes will be on Smith’s development over the next few years as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2027 class.
For now, UNC fans can celebrate the early offer and dream about what could be. The road to 2027 is long, but the Tar Heels have made their first big move. The chase for LJ Smith is on.
