Every time we would post about the UNC basketball program extending an offer to a high school prospect, it was a guarantee that at least one response (whether on Facebook or X) begged for the Tar Heels to extend an offer to in-state product LJ Smith.
Now, the posts to us can be stopped, as North Carolina has officially extended an offer his way!
Smith announced on social media that his latest offer has come from Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels. The rising junior has recently earned offers from Virginia, Clemson, Ohio State, and Wake Forest as well.
Blessed to receive an offer from UNC. Thanks to Coach Hubert Davis. #tarheels pic.twitter.com/Wqbr5ZAroN
— LJ Smith (@LJSmith23972065) June 22, 2025
Tar Heel fans love their in-state talents, as Smith certainly fits the bill. A 6-foot-4 combo guard, Smith ranks as the No. 29 overall prospect in the 247Sports Class of 2027 rankings, along with being regarded as a top-three prospect from the state of North Carolina.
As a sophomore, Smith scored 935 points, a new North Carolina state record and the most points ever scored by a sophomore in a single-season. Needless to say, this dude can flat-out score the basketball, which is part of the reason why he continues to rise up the recruiting rankings (leading to additional scholarship offers as well).
The competition will be steep for Smith's services, as he definitely is projected to move up the rankings before his recruitment comes to a close. While he has two years of high school remaining, his recruitment is starting to heat up, as North Carolina is officially in the competition.
Don't worry, Tar Heel fans: the UNC basketball program has had its eye on LJ Smith for quite some time now. It was only a matter of time before a scholarship offer was presented to him by North Carolina's coaching staff.