Tar Heels Named “Team To Beat” for No.1 2027 Recruit

Michael Malone and the North Carolina Tar Heels are in pursuit of CJ Rosser, who is a five-star prospect and the top recruit of the 2027 class. 

"Rosser, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2027 class, has been recruited by the likes of North Carolina, NC State, Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, and Miami," Joe Tipton wrote. "Sources believe Michael Malone and the Tar Heels are the current team to beat. The 6-foot-9, high-upside forward is expected to announce a list cut and official visits on September 9th."

If Rosser ultimately lands with North Carolina, he will be a major addition to the team. In the EYBL, he averaged 16.6 points while shooting 38 percent from the field and 18 percent from three.

Rosser was way more efficient when playing for Team USA at the U17 World Cup, as he averaged 16.4 percent, shooting 51 percent from the floor and 37 percent from behind the arc.

He has the tools to be a great two-way player and could have a large role in his freshman year in 2027 with the Tar Heels if he commits to the program.

The fact that North Carolina is currently the team to beat for Rosser speaks to what Malone has brought to the program as the head coach. Malone was a pivotal addition for the Tar Heels after they moved on from Hubert Davis.

Malone comes over from the NBA, where he had a successful decade coaching the Denver Nuggets, posting a 471-327 record and winning a championship in the 2022-23 season.

He has done a great job transitioning to college, as North Carolina has a talented roster for the 2026-27 season and could be more competitive than they were last season.

In 2025, under Davis, the Tar Heels finished with a 24-9 record and were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for a second straight season. Although Davis had some good moments during his time as the head coach for North Carolina, Malone should help them take the next step and contend for an NCAA Title in the 2026-27 season.

While Malone focuses on leading the Tar Heels to a great campaign, they will keep an eye on landing top prospect Rosser, hoping he will join the program next year.