UNC Secures Commitment from 7-Foot Arizona Five-Star Center, Ranked No. 27 Nationally…..
The North Carolina Tar Heels have landed a significant piece for their future frontcourt, as 7-foot-tall five-star center David Jefferson from Phoenix, Arizona, has officially committed to UNC. Ranked No. 27 nationally in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports, Jefferson’s decision to don Carolina blue comes as a major win for head coach Hubert Davis and his staff, who continue to build one of the most formidable recruiting classes in the nation.
Jefferson, known for his imposing size, soft hands, and two-way presence in the paint, chose the Tar Heels over offers from major programs including Arizona, Kansas, Duke, and Kentucky. The Arizona native made his announcement in a live stream on Friday evening, donning a UNC cap and declaring his excitement about joining the storied program in Chapel Hill.
> “From the moment I visited UNC, I just knew it felt like home,” Jefferson said during his announcement. “The tradition, the coaching staff, and the way they see me fitting in made this decision easy. I want to compete for championships, and I believe Coach Davis and the Tar Heels can get me there.”
Jefferson becomes the third five-star recruit to commit to North Carolina for the 2025 class, joining elite point guard Jayden Ross and versatile wing Marcus Wynn. Together, the trio is expected to elevate UNC back into national title contention as early as their freshman year.
A Dominant Presence in the Paint
At 7 feet tall and weighing 235 pounds, Jefferson brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. His shot-blocking instincts and rebounding prowess make him an elite rim protector, while his developing offensive game includes a reliable mid-range jumper and advanced footwork in the low post.
“He’s the kind of big man who can anchor a defense,” said ESPN Recruiting Analyst Paul Biancardi. “Jefferson not only alters shots but changes how offenses approach the basket. He’s also unselfish and has excellent passing vision for a center.”
During his junior year at Desert Valley Prep in Phoenix, Jefferson averaged 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, leading his team to the state semifinals and earning First Team All-State honors.
What This Means for UNC
Jefferson’s commitment reinforces the Tar Heels’ renewed emphasis on interior dominance—something the program has historically relied on, from Sam Perkins and Eric Montross to Tyler Hansbrough and Armando Bacot. With Bacot’s departure after the 2023–24 season, UNC has been searching for its next centerpiece in the post. In Jefferson, they may have found him.
“He’s a true Carolina big,” head coach Hubert Davis said in a statement. “David brings a toughness, a passion for the game, and a hunger to get better that fits right into our culture. We can’t wait to get him on campus.”
Davis and his staff have made player development a cornerstone of their recruiting pitch, and Jefferson’s skill set appears tailor-made for the Tar Heels’ system. The coaching staff is already discussing ways to expand his role, including short-roll passing in pick-and-roll situations and using him as a high-post facilitator.
Looking Ahead
With the addition of Jefferson, UNC’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks in the top three nationally and continues to gain momentum. Tar Heel fans can look forward to a dominant, well-rounded class that combines interior size, perimeter scoring, and high basketball IQ.
Jefferson will officially sign with North Carolina during the early signing period in November and is expected to enroll in the summer of 2025.
For now, the Tar Heels can celebrate landing a cornerstone for the future—and perhaps, their next All-American big man.
Stay with us for more updates on UNC Basketball and the 2025 recruiting class.