One-on-One with CJ Rosser: Inside the Mind of the #1 PF in the Class of 2027

CJ Rosser is accustomed to attention. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-10 and ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2027 class, the Northern Nash standout is already a household name in the world of high school basketball. Yet, when his first collegiate offer arrived from Presbyterian and Coach Griff, the feeling was unmatched.

"It was amazing," Rosser said. "It was my first offer, and I didn't even fully grasp what was happening. I was just leaving the gym after a game—it felt so good."

Since that initial offer, Rosser's recruitment has skyrocketed. Offers have poured in from elite basketball programs, including Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, USC, Michigan, Maryland, Georgia Tech, and most recently, North Carolina. When asked if UNC had recruited him hard, Rosser didn't hesitate.

"Yes, they have," he said. "Growing up watching Carolina my whole life and then having a chance to possibly play there—it’s just amazing."

Coming off a stellar sophomore campaign at Northern Nash, Rosser averaged 18.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He knocked down 34 three-pointers and shot a solid 75 percent from the free-throw line while improving his field goal percentage to 48 percent, a noticeable jump from his freshman year when he averaged 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.

Rosser is not just a long, lanky recruit. His ball-handling abilities are exceptionally impressive for a sophomore who stands 6-foot-10 and is only 15 years old. Frequently handling point duties, he comfortably brings the ball upcourt, facilitating the offense, driving aggressively, and showcasing his arsenal with mid-range fadeaways. Simply put, his bag of offensive skills is deep—and he’s just scratching the surface.

The John Wall Invitational in Raleigh is an annual highlight event, reserved for only the best teams and brightest stars. With star-studded coaches lined up courtside scouting the elite talent North Carolina has to offer, Rosser delivered a signature performance. He dropped an impressive 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds while knocking down multiple three-pointers, executing silky-smooth mid-range shots, expertly dishing out of double-teams, crashing the offensive glass, and showcasing his shot-blocking skills. Perhaps the most eye-opening aspect was his fluid ball-handling in traffic.

"It was my first time playing there," Rosser said. "The competition was tough, the crowd was electric, and seeing coaches like Hubert Davis, John Calipari, and Jon Scheyer watching made it even crazier."

Despite the bright spotlight and being a highly touted recruit, Rosser remains grounded. Asked about his timeline for trimming down his list of potential colleges, he emphasized patience.

"I'm just going with the flow," Rosser said. "I might wait until my senior year, depending on how things unfold."

Known primarily for his size and versatility, Rosser believes one aspect of his game remains underrated: his shot-making ability.

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"I feel like my ability to hit open shots consistently is overlooked," he said confidently.

When asked about his NBA comparison, Rosser mentioned Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

"I watch Shai's game a lot," Rosser said. "The way he plays and everything, I like his style."

Rather than being intimidated by high-pressure situations, Rosser views them as motivation.

"It feels good knowing I have the opportunity to make things happen," Rosser explained. "I just want to go harder every time I step on the court."

As teams increasingly target him, Rosser stays focused by staying true to himself and trusting his teammates.

"Even when I'm not playing my best, I trust my teammates," Rosser said. "They can step up, too. It's not just about me."

Rosser credits his development to a collective effort from his AAU coaches and trainers, particularly noting his trainers Spragg and Miles.

"Everyone helps me improve," Rosser said. "They see things I need to work on that sometimes I don't even see myself."

Off the court, Rosser enjoys simple pleasures like fishing with his grandfather and dad.

"It relaxes me," Rosser said. "It’s a chance to step away from basketball and just be myself."

Asked if he considers himself a student of the game, Rosser answered emphatically:

"Yes sir, a whole lot."

With his combination of length, skill, and maturity, Rosser is poised to become the No. 1 player nationally by the time he makes his college decision. Already highly touted at just 15 years old, it's likely more elite programs such as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas will soon join the race for Rosser’s signature. As he continues to mature, expect his burgeoning talent, particularly his shot-making ability, to firmly establish him as the top recruit in the country.