Michael Malone got his guy.
Now, it's time to go get another one.
Landing five-star forward DeMarcus Henry was a massive recruiting victory for the UNC basketball program, giving Malone his first commitment in the 2027 recruiting class and giving the Tar Heels one of the best prospects in the country to build around.
However, Malone shouldn't be satisfied, especially when another five-star in-state product remains very much available.
Henry's commitment gives UNC an opportunity to turn one major recruiting victory into something much bigger.
With Henry committed, it's time for the Tar Heels to go all-in on CJ Rosser.
CJ Rosser should be priority No. 1 for North Carolina
UNC's interest in Rosser is certainly nothing new.
In fact, Malone wasted no time making it clear that the 6-foot-9 forward would be a priority for his new staff.
Just hours after being introduced as the head coach of the UNC basketball program, Malone wasted no time contacting Rosser. A few months later, Rosser made an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill and became the first high school prospect hosted by Malone's staff.
Then came his official visit during UNC's alumni weekend, a perfect time to show one of the country's best players what Chapel Hill has to offer.
The Tar Heels have been heavily involved throughout his recruitment, and now they have another recruiting tool that they didn't have before:
DeMarcus Henry.
Henry and Rosser are two of the best players in the 2027 recruiting class. They're also both North Carolina natives: Henry is from Charlotte, and Rosser is from Rocky Mount.
Just imagine the pitch UNC can create: come home and help build something special.
Rosser is exactly the type of player who would complement what Henry brings to the table.
At 6-foot-9, Rosser possesses a unique combination of length, athleticism and perimeter skill. He averaged 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks on the EYBL circuit while also showing an ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble.
Put that alongside a versatile, two-way wing such as Henry, and suddenly Malone has two elite building blocks who could help define his first true recruiting class at UNC.
That's the type of foundation that can attract even more talent.
We all know the saying, "if you build it, they will come." In this case, if UNC can bring in elite talents, other players are going to be intrigued by teaming up with them.
Landing DeMarcus Henry should only be the beginning
Henry's commitment already proved something important: Malone can recruit.
There would always be questions about how an NBA coach with no prior college head-coaching experience would handle the recruiting world, but Henry's commitment provided a strong answer.
Malone relentlessly pursued him, made him feel like a priority, and ultimately convinced one of the country's premier prospects to choose North Carolina over Arkansas, Kentucky, and Louisville.
Now, the Tar Heels need to capitalize on that momentum and continue reeling in the big fish.
Rosser has plenty of options, and landing another five-star prospect is never going to be easy. However, if Henry's recruitment taught us anything, the Tar Heels will do whatever it takes to get the guys they covet, and Rosser is definitely one of those guys.
Malone already landed one superstar recruit from the Class of 2027. Now, his goal should be to land another one.
CJ Rosser is undoubtedly the guy who should be at the top of UNC's recruiting wish list.
Add us as a preferred source on Google