This 5-star center just visited BYU basketball, could play as early as next season

Remember the name Obinna Ekezie Jr, because he may just be the answer to all of BYU basketball's prayers. A 5-star center and the fourth-rated player in the class of 2027 per 247 composite, this 7-foot beast down low plays at Southeastern Prep alongside another high-profile Kevin Young recruit, number-one rated CJ Rosser.

BYU basketball's hunt for the best players in college basketball didn't start or end with AJ Dybantsa. Now with McDonald's All-American Bruce Branch III waiting for his college basketball shot, head coach Kevin Young is in hot pursuit of top-tier talent to fill in the remaining gaps on his roster. Namely, and most notably, the center position.

Still with four roster spots left to fill, the only centers currently on the Cougars roster are Khadim Mboup, who is still incredibly raw and plays more of a forward than a center, and Adam Stewart, a 6'11" transfer from TCU, where he spent the majority of last season glued to the bench.

Kevin Young is intent on signing a big man with NBA size and talent. Which begs the question: why is he hunting this player from the class of 2027, when the class of 2026 will be far more helpful for this upcoming season's more pressing issues?

Well, rumors swirl around how Ekezie could opt to reclassify a la Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa, and potentially play college hoops this upcoming season. If there's any truth to these claims, Kevin Young's grill is on fire, and we can't wait to sink our teeth into what he's been cooking.

BYU basketball is firmly in contention to land Ekezie's commitment, as the big man recently took a visit to BYU campus -- something that other 7-foot offseason targets hadn't quite gotten to. The timing of his visit only affirms rumors that he could reclassify to play college basketball this season.

With a plus wingspan and a unique combination of strength and athleticism for his age, Ekezie is a defensive nightmare. A shrouded blur of shot-erasing prowess, and a capable rim-runner and feather-touched finisher at the other end, with developing ball-handling and jump-shooting attributes. He won Defensive MVP honors at the Basketball Without Borders All-Star Camp for good reason. Despite being old for his grade level, taking the step to the toughest league in college basketball, the Big 12, will take some adjusting.

But he's more than capable, and largely expected to be a lottery pick when he enters the NBA Draft.

Obinna Ekezie's list of likeliest suitors includes Louisville, Arkansas, BYU, and Maryland.

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