LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Another big addition for Pat Kelsey.
And this one is big in every sense of the word.
Five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr., a 7-footer and one of the top prospects in the country, announced his commitment to Louisville on Sunday and will reclassify to join the Cardinals for the 2026 season.
Ekezie had been ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the 2027 class and the nation’s top center, making him one of the most significant recruiting wins of Kelsey’s tenure so far. He chose Louisville over a final group that included Arkansas, BYU, Kentucky and Maryland.
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"I chose Louisville because it has everything I need in terms of winning and development," Ekezie told Rivals. "I have a great opportunity to develop and showcase my game at both the 4 and 5 alongside Flory Bidunga. Louisville already feels like home to me and we’re going to be an incredibly competitive team."
The decision to reclassify accelerates that timeline.
"After my high school season, I evaluated the rewards and risks and felt college was the right move for my development," Ekezie said. "I get to practice every day against elite competition and develop at a much faster rate."
Ekezie joins what is rapidly becoming one of the most talent-heavy rosters in the country. Louisville has already added Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga, Oregon transfer guard Jackson Shelstad, Arkansas wing Karter Knox, Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras, Dayton guard De’Shayne Montgomery and USC center Gabe Dynes.
At 7-foot, Ekezie brings size, versatility and pedigree. He is the son of former NBA player Obinna Ekezie, who played at Maryland before spending time with several teams in the early 2000s.
Now, the younger Ekezie arrives in Louisville as part of a clear trend under Kelsey — length, depth and options up front.
And, increasingly, expectations to match.
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