2027 LJ Smith has been proving to be one of the top guards not only in the state but one of the best offensive weapons nationally in his class. Putting on a scoring display this entire season, Smith has carried that momentum into the summer, as recruitment has been heating up quite a bit for the dynamic scoring guard from North Carolina.
Back in February 2025, we talked to Smith about earning interest from North Carolina as the staff visited his way. He also visited Chapel Hill not long after. Smith had this to say about it all back then:
“I’m really excited to be on campus and watch a game in person to see how hard they play and how the atmosphere is. I think it is a great program and one I’ve been watching since I was little. I like the way they play. It means a lot knowing they are recruiting me; it just means I need to keep working and push myself harder.”
Smith also mentioned that at the time, UNC was his dream school.
Now, things have certainly turned with the Tar Heels entering the picture with an official offer, and they aren’t the only ones making Smith a priority early on. Phenom Hoops caught up with Smith to hear his thoughts on all the latest.
Phenom: What did it mean to you to finally get that offer from UNC, especially after showing interest your way earlier?
Smith: It means a lot. Getting that offer and knowing the work I’ve been putting in has been paying off.
Phenom: What did they have to say when they offered?
Smith: Hubert Davis said he wants to build a great relationship with me and the family, and to get me down to campus again.
Phenom: What stands out to you about the school, and you mentioned before that it was your dream school? How does it feel to get that offer from your dream school?
Smith: What stands out to me the most is the history of the school, and the history of past players and coaches that have been there. It feels really good to have this from my dream school, knowing I’m getting closer and closer to many more goals in life.
Phenom: Any specific dates of visits to Chapel Hill?
Smith: Nothing yet.
Phenom: What other schools have been strong with you as of lately?
Smith: Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Tennessee, and Cincinnati.