MM 5.1: Five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. commits to Louisville

TORRANCE, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Southeastern Prep forward Obinna Ekezie Jr. (5) shoots a free throw during the Grind Session Los Angeles high school basketball tournament on February 13, 2026 at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In an offseason of recruiting scores, Buzz Williams and Maryland men’s basketball suffered its first major rimout as five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. committed to Louisville Sunday.

Ekezie placed the Terps in his top five destinations, but the Cardinals were their only real competition in the recruiting battle according to Maryland insider Jeff Ermann. Now, the center heads to Louisville with Maryland missing out on grabbing a second five-star big to complement Baba Oladotun.

The seven-footer was originally in the class of 2027 but plans to reclassify to make his collegiate debut next season. His decision defies his parental ties to Maryland, with his father, Obinna Ekezie Sr., playing in College Park for four years before being drafted in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies.

With Sunday’s news, Williams will likely attempt to pursue other potential big men. With Rakease Passmore’s returning status still up in the air and a lack of depth at the five, Maryland could still have some tricks up its sleeves before recruiting comes to a close.

In other news

Maryland baseball was swept by Michigan last weekend, losing Sunday’s game in 8-7 fashion. Rachel Lawrence had the recap.

Maryland women’s lacrosse earned the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.