The Kentucky Wildcats have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, and that legacy continues to attract the nation’s top talent. Most recently, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope made a major move by offering a scholarship to C.J. Rosser, the No. 1 player in the class of 2027, according to On3.
Rosser, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Northern Nash High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, admitted he was caught off guard when Kentucky extended the offer.
> “It’s a big school that produces a lot of NBA prospects,” Rosser told KSR+. “A lot of NBA players come through there, and I could be one-and-done.”
The Wildcats’ track record backs up Rosser’s confidence. With eight national championships and 17 Final Four appearances, Kentucky has also served as a launchpad for several NBA stars like Anthony Davis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Jamal Murray, and Tyler Herro.
Although Rosser is just entering his junior year of high school, his recruitment is heating up. His stock began to rise following an unofficial visit to Duke in February—only a short drive from his hometown. Since then, programs like Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, TCU, and Maryland have jumped into the mix with offers of their own.
Rosser’s character and work ethic are also earning high praise. His trainer, Darius Spragley, recently spoke to 247Sports about what sets the young star apart.
> “What makes CJ special is his character off the court and how he is molding into a leader,” said Spragley. “He’s like a sponge who’s willing to absorb knowledge. On the court, he’s really good at shooting and posting up in the mid-post.”
With two high school seasons still ahead, C.J. Rosser’s journey is just beginning—but the early signs point to a future star. And if he chooses Kentucky, Big Blue Nation could be getting its next NBA-bound phenom.
