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INSANE ADDITION: UNC Set to Land All-American 5-Star Forward After Major Recruiting Push
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In what is rapidly becoming the signature recruiting victory of the Michael Malone era, the North Carolina Tar Heels are on the verge of securing a commitment from CJ Rosser, a 6’10” five-star power forward and one of the top prospects in the nation .
Rosser, a Rocky Mount native now playing at Southeastern Prep in Florida, is ranked as the No. 2 player in the country by 247Sports and holds the No. 1 spot according to On3’s rankings . After a major recruiting push by Malone and his staff—characterized by relentless effort and an NBA pedigree that resonates with elite talent—Rosser appears poised to bring his All-American caliber skills to Chapel Hill.
The Push That Sealed the Deal
The Tar Heels’ pursuit of Rosser has been nothing short of aggressive. Following an official visit to campus this summer—his lone official visit to date—North Carolina has emerged as the clear favorite . The visit marked a turning point, solidifying the relationship between Rosser and the new coaching staff.
According to recruiting analysts, the effort Malone has invested personally has been the difference-maker. Malone has been a constant presence on the recruiting trail, attending numerous EYBL events and staying in gyms until late in the evening to evaluate talent .
“North Carolina and Michael Malone are putting a lot of effort into recruiting those two,” Eric Bossi of 247Sports recently said, referring to Rosser and fellow five-star target Jordan Page. “From what I’ve heard, speaking with sources on the road and other college coaches, it sounds like they’re making pretty serious inroads” .
David Peavy, who coaches Rosser at Southeastern Preparatory Academy, told the News & Observer that Malone stands out for his work ethic and genuine approach.
“Malone has established himself as a worker, somebody who’s in every gym. He’s like the first one in the gym recruiting, and the last one out,” Peavy said. “My feel is Malone’s gonna be great, ’cause he doesn’t feel salesy. I think he feels very genuine” .
That authenticity has resonated with Rosser and his camp. The 6’10” forward has taken multiple unofficial visits to Chapel Hill, including one during the Hubert Davis era, but Malone’s presence has elevated UNC’s standing in his recruitment .
Why Rosser Fits the Malone Blueprint
Rosser’s combination of size and skill makes him an ideal fit for Malone’s system. At 6’10” with a 195-pound frame, he possesses the physical tools to dominate in the frontcourt while also stretching the floor—a trait that aligns with modern NBA-style basketball .
His performance on the international stage has only heightened expectations. Rosser averaged 16 points per game for the U.S. U17 National Team at the FIBA World Cup in Turkey, including a team-high 23 points in the gold medal game against Serbia .
Peavy said Rosser and classmate Beckham Black—the No. 1 overall prospect—have UNC in their “top selections” . Landing Rosser would represent a monumental statement for Malone’s recruiting ability, as it signals that the Tar Heels can compete with any program for elite talent.
“The most important factor in Rosser being on campus is the fact that it is his lone official visit thus far,” Sports Illustrated noted. “According to 247, North Carolina has the highest level of interest from Rosser” .
Recruiting Surge Under Malone
Rosser’s commitment would cap an extraordinary first full recruiting cycle for Malone, who inherited a program in flux after taking over in April. Despite the late start, Malone has assembled a compelling roster and positioned UNC for future success.
The Tar Heels’ 2026 recruiting class already ranks among the top 10 nationally, featuring four-star signees Maximo Adams and Kevin Thomas, as well as international additions Sayon Keita and Alexandros Samodurov .
But the 2027 class, anchored by Rosser, promises to be transformative. On3’s Jamie Shaw recently predicted that North Carolina will land both Rosser and five-star forward DeMarcus Henry—a haul that would instantly vault UNC into the national recruiting conversation .
Malone’s NBA credentials have been a significant factor in this recruiting surge. The former Denver Nuggets head coach, who won an NBA championship in 2023 and developed three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, brings a level of credibility that few college coaches can match .
“The coaching and the staff stands out for me,” five-star forward Paul Osaruyi said after visiting UNC. “How they tell me they’re going to play, it fits my play style” . Osaruyi, a top-10 national prospect, is also expected to visit Chapel Hill, demonstrating the momentum Malone has built .
Building a Championship Roster
The Rosser commitment would serve as the centerpiece of a roster designed to compete at the highest level. The Tar Heels have prioritized size and athleticism, addressing the program’s perceived shortcomings under the previous regime.
Returning players Jarin Stevenson, Jaydon Young, and Isaiah Denis will provide continuity, while transfer additions such as Neoklis Avdalas, Terrence Brown, and Matt Able are expected to contribute immediately . The roster makeup reflects Malone’s vision of a versatile, athletic team capable of competing in the modern game .
As one analyst noted, Malone’s recruiting approach represents a significant shift from his predecessor’s style. “I like that,” analyst Jeff Goodman said on the TarHeel247 podcast. “I want to see that from Carolina. I want to see them fighting Duke for the top players” .
The Homecoming Factor
Rosser’s North Carolina roots add another layer of significance to his impending commitment. A native of Rocky Mount, about an hour east of Raleigh, Rosser would be returning to his home state to play for one of college basketball’s most storied programs .
“His proximity may also matter more than people think,” SI noted. “Rocky Mount is less than two hours from Chapel Hill, and if the recruiting team can pitch the angle that favors being close to home, it could be a massive break for Carolina” .
For a program navigating a coaching change, landing an in-state power forward of Rosser’s caliber would represent a watershed moment. It would not only secure elite talent but also reinforce UNC’s ability to recruit within its own backyard.
“It really can set the tone for what he’s gonna be able to do on the high school level as a recruiter while he’s in Chapel Hill,” Bossi said of Malone .
What This Means for UNC’s Future
Securing Rosser’s commitment would mark the beginning of a new era for North Carolina basketball. The Tar Heels have endured back-to-back first-round NCAA Tournament exits, prompting the coaching change that brought Malone to Chapel Hill .
Malone was hired to restore the program to its championship pedigree. Winning recruiting battles against blue bloods like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas is a prerequisite for that goal . Rosser’s commitment would prove that Malone can do exactly that.
“This will be Michael Malone’s first full recruiting cycle as head coach of the Tar Heels and he’s hoping to make a big splash for the 2027 class,” Tar Heels Wire reported. “If Michael Malone can get that across the finish line, it really can set the tone for what he’s going to be able to do at the high school level as a recruiter” .
More on this story as it develops.
