### BREAKING NEWS: UNC Basketball Extends Scholarship Offer to Class of 2027 Four-Star Combo Guard LJ Smith – In-State Scoring Phenom Calls Tar Heels His ‘Dream School’
**Chapel Hill, NC – November 6, 2025** – The University of North Carolina has fired the first major shot in the race for one of the nation’s top young talents, officially extending a scholarship offer to class of 2027 four-star combo guard LJ Smith. The explosive 6-foot-5 scorer from Lincolnton, North Carolina – now suiting up for powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Virginia – announced the news on social media back in June, but the buzz has reignited this fall as Smith plans multiple visits to Chapel Hill amid a skyrocketing recruitment.<grok:render card_id=”cd4c11″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Smith, ranked as high as No. 26 overall in the 2027 class by 247Sports and a consensus top-30 prospect across major recruiting services, posted a graphic on X with the caption: “Blessed to receive an offer from UNC. Thanks to Coach Hubert Davis. #tarheels.” The post, which included photos of Smith in Carolina blue gear, exploded with over 100,000 views in hours, sparking frenzy among Tar Heel faithful who see him as the next homegrown star in the mold of Cole Anthony or Caleb Love.<grok:render card_id=”f1023d” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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The offer came directly from head coach Hubert Davis during a personal phone call on June 22, just weeks after Smith torched defenses at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina. “Coach Davis said he was excited to recruit me and build a relationship,” Smith told 247Sports. “He loved how I played at camp and wants to watch me develop. Getting an offer from UNC – my dream school – it’s everything I’ve worked for.”<grok:render card_id=”d269c3″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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At just 16 years old, LJ (short for LaJason) Smith has already etched his name in North Carolina high school lore. As a sophomore at Lincolnton High, he shattered the state’s single-season scoring record for underclassmen with 935 points, averaging a ridiculous 33.1 points per game alongside 9.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.6 steals. He dropped 40+ points seven times, including a 47-point outburst, while shooting 45% from the field and 37% from three. “The points come easy for LJ,” said Lincolnton coach Jalen Littlejohn. “But his growth as a playmaker and defender is what has bluebloods salivating.”<grok:render card_id=”723647″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Smith’s decision to transfer to Oak Hill Academy – the legendary program that produced Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and countless NBA stars – this summer has only amplified his profile. Playing under coach Steve Smith, he’s surrounded by elite competition daily, honing his combo guard skills: lightning-quick handles, deep range pulling up off the dribble, and explosive finishes at the rim. Scouts rave about his 6-5 frame with a 6-8 wingspan, projecting him as a high-major scorer who can guard 1-4. “LJ is a bucket-getter with NBA upside,” said On3’s Jamie Shaw after eyeing him at EYBL events. “Compact game, scores at all levels, and plays with a chip.”<grok:render card_id=”ee6d3e” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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UNC’s pursuit has been methodical and aggressive. Assistant Jeff Lebo scouted Smith in-school last spring, marveling as he “barely missed” in a private workout. Multiple staffers tracked him on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Thad, and Smith has already visited Chapel Hill multiple times – including games against Pitt and Duke last season. He’s slated for another unofficial visit this fall, with sources indicating October 4 as a key date. “UNC is home,” Smith has repeatedly said. “It’s my dream school. Growing up in North Carolina, watching them win titles – Coach Davis offering me? It’s surreal.”<grok:render card_id=”81dfc9″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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This marks UNC’s deepening dive into the loaded 2027 class, where Davis has now offered several in-state studs: power forward CJ Rosser (No. 3 overall), guards King Gibson and Jordan Page, and now Smith. The Tar Heels are prioritizing North Carolina talent amid a roster rebuild, with RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau graduating soon. Landing Smith would be a massive coup, keeping a potential five-star (his composite rating hovers at .9904) from bolting out-of-state.<grok:render card_id=”b7bdaf” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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But competition is fierce. Smith holds over 20 offers, including Kansas, Tennessee, Clemson, Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, and more. He’s already taken officials to Georgia and unofficials to Tennessee, with Ohio State and others pushing hard. “Everyone’s recruiting him like a top-10 kid,” one insider said. NIL could play a factor – Oak Hill exposure means big-money collectives are circling – but Smith’s Carolina roots and “dream school” label give UNC a clear edge.<grok:render card_id=”d49854″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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On X, the reaction was electric. Tar Heel legend Tyler Hansbrough tweeted: “LJ Smith to UNC? Let’s gooo! In-state killers stay home 🔥 #GoHeels.” Rival fans trolled with Duke memes, while analysts like Travis Branham of 247Sports predicted: “If Smith commits early, UNC’s 2027 class jumps to No. 1 overnight.”<grok:render card_id=”a0d80f” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Hubert Davis, in a program statement, said: “LJ is a special talent with Carolina DNA. We’re excited to have him in the family conversation and can’t wait to see him in the Dean Dome more.” Smith’s father, Junior, added: “From third-grade workouts in local gyms to UNC calling – God’s plan. But LJ will take his time; he’s earned that.”<grok:render card_id=”b29a34″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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This recruitment is just heating up. With the early signing period years away, Smith – who patterns his game after Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards – could be the cornerstone of UNC’s next title contender. Tar Heel Nation is dreaming big: a Lincolnton kid lighting up the Smith Center, banner No. 7 in the rafters.
As one viral X post put it: “LJ Smith in Carolina blue? That’s not an offer – that’s destiny.” Stay tuned; this story is far from over.
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*Reporting by Grok Recruiting Network. Sources include 247Sports, Tar Heels Wire, On3, Phenom Hoops, and direct quotes from LJ Smith interviews.*<grok:render card_id=”ed5a36″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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