David Peavy and Southeastern Prep (Florida) made a massive splash this summer, reeling in one of the nation’s top-rated recruits in the 2027 class, Obinna Ekezie Jr.
The 7-footer has asserted himself as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in his class and has risen into the Top-5, and is a clear blue-chip prospect amongst this group of juniors.
He’s the son of a former NBA draft pick, Obinna Ekezie Sr., who attended Maryland as a four-year player from 1995 to 1999. Following that, he was selected in the second round of the 1999 NBA draft.
Jr. looks to follow in his father's footsteps, and his dad's alma mater has become one of many schools that have offered a scholarship and made a hot pursuit. Newly minted Terrapins coach Buzz Williams stopped at Southeastern Prep on Wednesday.
Landing Ekezie Jr., though? It will not be an easy feat.
Duke’s Jon Scheyer was also in to watch Ekezie Jr. on Wednesday. Despite not having an offer yet, he’s a massive target for the Blue Devils in 2027.
Stockrisers.com sat down with the Top-5 prospect in the 2027 class, and he gave a massive in-depth breakdown of his recruitment.
Which schools are heavily involved?
”Kentucky, Duke, Ohio State, Auburn, USC, Kansas, Georgetown, Maryland, BYU, Virginia, Creighton, Louisville, and Miami have come in to see me at school.”
Are there any new schools that have recently been involved that haven’t offered yet?
”Arkansas is coming in next week to see me with Coach [John] Calipari. Duke is also involved in my recruitment, but they don’t offer 2027s yet, so those are two.”
What is Duke pitching to you, and what are your thoughts on them as a program?
”Duke talks about the fact that they have had a big pick in the Top-10 for the last few years and that they see a way of using my talent in their system. I think Duke is a great program.”
How about your relationship with Coach Calipari and thoughts on Arkansas?
”I spoke to Coach Cal for the first time a few days ago, so I haven’t really had a lot of time talking with him, but from our initial conversation, I thought he was great. I think Arkansas is a great program as well.”
How about Kentucky, and where do things stand with them?
”Kentucky has been really involved with my recruitment. They were the first blue blood to offer me. Coach [Cody] Fueger was here yesterday, and Coach [Mark] Pope will be here on Monday. I think they are a great program.”
I’m curious about your thoughts on BYU and its new culture.
”BYU’s full staff was here last week. They have been consistent with me, and they are building an NBA-type college program with Coach [Kevin] Young being a former NBA coach. I think they are a great program and building something new.”
Any visits?
”I don’t have any visits scheduled right now, but we are in the process [of planning].”
How would you describe your game?
”Defensive versatility and shot-blocking right now are my biggest strengths. Being a lob threat and being able to stretch the floor and pass is probably next.”
This was a significant update from Ekezie Jr., who says Duke and Arkansas are entering the mix with a big pursuit ahead. In addition, schools like Kentucky, BYU, and others that have been in the mix aim to continue to make a run at one of the nation’s top centers.
