Kentucky Plans to Have a Call With 2027 No. 1-Ranked Center Obinna Ekezie Jr.

The 2027 contact period is underway, and Kentucky is getting busy. UK is making the nation’s top center a priority.

Obinna Ekezie Jr., the 6-foot-11, 215-pound center from Prolific Prep (Napa, CA), told KSR+ that Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Cody Fueger reached out to Ekezie’s father on Sunday morning. He plans to have a call with the staff later on Sunday.

Ekezie was among the first players to receive an offer from Kentucky in September of 2024. He was excited to get the offer.

“Kentucky is a big-time school and a blueblood,” Ekezie told KSR+ after receiving the offer. “To get an offer so early as a sophomore means a lot. I’m really going to be something when it’s all said and done. It’s a big-time thing and a big-time accomplishment. It’s rare for any incoming sophomore to get an offer from Kentucky, and it’s really exciting.”

KSR+ is keeping track of all Kentucky’s 2027 contacts as the list slowly grows. Check out the full list on the KSBoard.

Obinna Ekezie’s Game

Five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. of Prolific Prep (CA) is the nation’s No. 4 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Ekezie as the No. 1 player overall, the top-ranked combo guard, and the overall best player in California.

Originally from Nigeria, Ekezie moved to Louisville shortly after his 13th birthday. He attended St. Raphael High School in Louisville before eventually making the move to Prolific Prep.

Ekezie’s father, Obinna Ekezie Sr., played basketball at Maryland from 1995 to 1999 before embarking on a seven-year professional career. He spent time in the NBA playing for the Vancouver Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks.