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Five-Star North Carolina Prep Lands on UNC Basketball Wishlist

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Matt Giles | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 11:21 AM ET

UNC basketball has previously hosted LJ Smith on two unofficial visits. At the time of those trips, though, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound combo guard was not a Tar Heel offer holder.

Now, he is. Smith, a rising junior at Lincolnton HIgh School (N.C.), revealed his offer from fifth-year UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels via the following social media post on Sunday evening:

Blessed to receive an offer from UNC. Thanks to Coach Hubert Davis. #tarheels pic.twitter.com/Wqbr5ZAroN
— LJ Smith (@LJSmith23972065) June 22, 2025

LJ Smith ranks No. 29 overall, No. 3 among combo guards, and No. 3 in North Carolina on the 247Sports 2027 Composite.

The versatile scorer, who has referred to UNC as a "dream school" on several occasions, averaged over 33 points per game as a mere sophomore last season.

Smith's visits with the Tar Heels included his attendance at a pair of UNC basketball home games: the 2024-25 Tar Heels' 67-66 win over Pitt in early February and 82-69 loss to archrival Duke in early March.

He joins another heralded in-state prospect on the Tar Heels' early 2027 offer sheet in Northern Nash High School forward and top-ranked North Carolina recruit CJ Rosser.

This article first appeared on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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