Five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. is set to announce his college commitment on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET. He is considering Louisville, BYU, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Mentioned in this story
Five-star Obinna Ekezie Jr. makes college commitment announcement: Live updates on the nation's top 2027 center originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Obinna Ekezie Jr. is on the verge of deciding where he'll take the next step in his career. The top-rated center and No. 4 player in the 2027 basketball recruiting class is down to five schools with Louisville, BYU, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Maryland fighting for the blue-chip big man.
Ekezie is expected to make his announcement on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET.
All five teams are intriguing options for the future college basketball star. Louisville is reportedly the frontrunner for Ekezie, but Maryland has surged late in his recruitment. BYU and Arkansas have two of the most NBA-ready coaches in the country in John Calipari and Kevin Young, respectfully. Kentucky has felt the agony of defeat lately after losing Tyran Stokes, but can get back on track with Ekezie in Lexington.
Here's the scouting report from 247Sports' Adam Finkelstein.
"Ekezie is a true 7-footer with long arms and vertical athleticism. At the 2025 NBPA Top 100 Camp, he measured at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4.5 wingspan and 9-foot-4.5 standing reach. He’s a bouncy finisher, who frequently dunks on the way up, and a real rim protector who averaged over 2 blocks per game in both the E16 circuit with Vegas Elite and the high school season with Southeastern Prep.
Obinna Ekezie Jr. will announce his college commitment on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The schools competing for Obinna Ekezie Jr.'s commitment are Louisville, BYU, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Louisville is considered the frontrunner for Ekezie Jr. due to their strong recruitment efforts, although Maryland has gained momentum recently.
Tobias Harris scored 30 points, including 19 in the first half, leading Detroit to victory in Game 7 against Orlando. Cade Cunningham also contributed significantly, extending the lead in the second half.
Lionel Messi congratulates Kimi Antonelli after his Miami GP victory!
Chase Elliott holds off Denny Hamlin to win Texas NASCAR Cup race!
Tigers' Verlander Feels Ready to Take Rehab to Next Level
NFL exec questions if Giants got the better of Bengals in Lawrence trade
UFC Perth Highlights: Prates TKO's Della Maddalena, Salkilld Wins
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
"His most immediate impact at the college level will be as a vertical threat and finisher, shot-blocker, and drop coverage ball-screen defender. Ekezie is still young though, turning 18 in May of 2026, and has tools to develop in other areas. He has a projectable frame that should continue to add muscle mass and really blossom in a college weight room, but still needs to develop the physicality and assertiveness to maximize it. He also has a foundation for further skill development with a soft natural touch, good left hand, and signs of passing potential."