The Miami Hurricanes basketball program has made a major statement in the 2027 recruiting cycle by officially offering a scholarship to five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr., one of the most dominant and talked-about prospects in the nation. At just 15 years old, Ekezie Jr. has already built a national reputation for his elite size, athleticism, and raw potential — and now Miami is hoping to keep the rising star close to home.
Standing at 6-foot-10 with a powerful frame and advanced footwork, Ekezie Jr. plays far beyond his years. He has a soft shooting touch, shot-blocking instincts, and a commanding presence in the paint that separates him from most big men in his class. Scouts are already comparing his physical profile and skill set to current NBA talent, and his ceiling appears to be limitless.
By offering early, Miami is positioning itself as a serious player in the battle for his commitment. Ekezie Jr. is reportedly drawing interest from powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, Duke, and Kansas, but the Hurricanes have a unique advantage — location. Ekezie plays high school ball in Florida, and Miami’s ability to keep local talent home could be a game-changer if they can build a strong relationship early.
Head coach Jim Larrañaga and his staff have proven capable of recruiting and developing elite players, as seen with recent deep NCAA Tournament runs. Landing a prospect like Ekezie Jr. would elevate the Hurricanes’ future and potentially make them a national title contender in the coming years.
While there’s still a long road ahead in his recruitment, Miami’s early offer signals serious intent — and if they can lock in the interest of the No. 1 center in 2027, the ACC should be on notice.