TORRANCE, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Southeastern Prep forward Obinna Ekezie Jr. (5) shoots a free throw during the Grind Session Los Angeles high school basketball tournament on February 13, 2026 at El Camino College in Torrance, CA.

Louisville lands top-5 recruit Ekezie

2 days ago
Icon Sportswire / Getty

Five-star recruit Obinna Ekezie Jr. has committed to Louisville, he announced Sunday on social media.

Ekezie is the top-ranked center in the class of 2027 and ESPN's No. 4 overall prospect. He will reclassify into the 2026 class and suit up for the Cardinals next season.

Ekezie chose Louisville over Arkansas, BYU, Kentucky, and Maryland.

The 6-foot-11 big man joins a talented Cardinals roster that picked up Flory Bidunga from Kansas and Jackson Shelstad from Oregon in the transfer portal this offseason.

"I chose Louisville because it has everything I need in terms of winning and development," Ekezie told Rivals' Joe Tipton. "I have a great opportunity to develop and showcase my game at both the four and five alongside Flory Bidunga. Louisville already feels like home to me, and we're going to be an incredibly competitive team. We're striving to win a national championship."

Louisville has experienced a resurgence with Pat Kelsey at the helm, going 51-19 over the past two campaigns. The Cardinals defeated South Florida in the opening round of last season's NCAA Tournament before falling to Michigan State in their next matchup.

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