UNC Basketball extends offer to in-state guard LJ Smith, ranked No. 29 in Class of 2027……..
Chapel Hill, NC – June 22, 2025 – The University of North Carolina men’s basketball program, led by Coach Hubert Davis, has taken a significant step in its 2027 recruiting efforts by extending a scholarship offer to 6-foot-4 combo guard LJ Smith. The offer, confirmed via Smith’s social media channels, marks UNC’s first official move on a recruit already ranked 29th nationally in the 247Sports Class of 2027 standings .
Smith, a rising junior at Lincolnton High School in North Carolina, has cemented his status as one of the state’s elite, ranking as a top-three North Carolina prospect . His inclusion in UNC’s recruiting class underscores the program’s continued strategy of targeting in-state talent and strengthening its presence locally.
A Star Rising in Lincolnton
Smith burst onto the scene as a sophomore by shattering North Carolina state records. He amassed a jaw-dropping 935 points in a single season—an all-time high for a sophomore—showcasing his offensive prowess and potential to drive a high-powered scoring offense .
Off the court, Smith’s early 5-star designation stems from his multifaceted offensive game. He thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat, can attack downhill, and holds solid rebounding and playmaking skills for his position . His performance caught the attention of scouts nationwide, earning him an invitation to the prestigious NBPA Top 100 Camp—an arena reserved for the nation’s most promising prospects .
The Offer: More Than Just a Phone Call
The catalyst moment came last Sunday when Hubert Davis personally placed the call offering Smith a place in the Tar Heels’ program . In Smith’s own words on social media: *“Blessed to receive an offer from UNC. Thanks to Coach Hubert Davis.”
The offer from UNC arrives amid swelling interest from both ACC and Power Five programs. Smith has already received formal offers from powerhouse programs including Virginia, Clemson, Ohio State, and Wake Forest—not to mention attention from SEC blue-bloods like Tennessee, LSU, and Mississippi State .
A user on BearcatNews aptly summarized the national demand:
“Lots of competition for this kid, including a few SEC schools, KS, WV. He’s rated as a 4 talent, 29 nationally and 3 in NC…”
What This Means for UNC
For UNC, securing talented in-state players remains a key pillar of its recruiting philosophy. The Tar Heels understand the added pull such local players have on the fanbase and program legacy. Extending a high-profile offer to Smith signals another commitment to nurturing North Carolina-raised talent .
Hubert Davis has been steadily building the 2027 haul, with Smith joining other early targets. UNC’s aggressive outreach—spotlighted by visits to games and summer camp appearances—demonstrates a full court press to land elite local prospects before rivals do .
The Road Ahead for Smith
Despite the early offer, Smith’s recruitment journey remains young. With two years of high school competition ahead and continued exposure through AAU circuits and national camps, his recruitment is poised to gain further momentum .
Smith has talked openly about refining his game—his focus on improving mid-range shooting, defensive consistency, and on-ball athleticism is part of his plan to climb further up recruiting rankings .
Prospective visits to UNC, Virginia, Clemson, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and others will influence his decision-making. Smith has already visited programs like Tennessee and Georgia, citing their campus atmosphere and basketball infrastructure as major draws .
The Big Picture
Smith’s offer is a clear win for UNC’s recruiting strategy: blend high-end talent, state loyalty, and early recruitment to build competitive edge. While the competition remains fierce nationally and regionally, UNC’s early commitment puts them in prime position to engage Smith regularly and potentially shape his decision.
For Smith, the Tar Heels’ offer represents validation of his hard work and state dominance. With more of North Carolina’s elite court watchers tuning in, his name could continue to climb—and UNC could well be leading the chase.
Final Take
LJ Smith’s offer is a seismic moment for both player and program. His scoring exploits, national ranking, and home-state roots make him a highly coveted asset. UNC’s coaching staff has taken a decisive step. Now, Smith’s continued growth, camp performances, and school visits will determine whether that handshake offer evolves into a blue-chipper commit in future years.
Stay tuned: if Smith keeps up his torrid development, this could be just the beginning of a storied career on Henry Stadium Road.