Navorro Bowman Jr., a 6-foot-3 lead guard ranked No. 16 nationally in the 2027 class by Rivals’ Industry ranking and the son of former All-Pro linebacker Navarro Bowman, has quickly become one of the country’s most coveted recruits, piling up high-major offers and drawing daily attention from North Carolina and new head coach Michael Malone.
Bowman holds offers from Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, UCLA and USC, among others. He already has official visits scheduled with Stanford and Texas and is planning additional trips to Arizona, UCLA and Illinois.
Advertisement
He underscored his rising stock with a standout showing at Peach Jam on Wednesday, pouring in 33 points (10-21 FG, 7-11 3pt, 6-6 FT) in Team Why Not’s 86–82 loss to CP3.
Malone and UNC have been in steady contact with Bowman for months, a level of engagement the guard said has resonated.
“Ever since Coach Malone got the coaching job he’s talked to me like every day, ever since he got it,” Bowman told Inside Carolina. “So I take that into account… like with loyalty. He texts me, watches all my games, even when he’s not there, he’s watching online. So I really feel like he believes in me, and it’s (UNC) a big option.”
Advertisement
Although the Tar Heels have yet to formally extend a scholarship, Bowman said he feels an offer could be on the way.
After a spring and summer that took him across the country on the EYBL circuit and to Turkey with USA Basketball, Bowman said he does not plan to take more than five official visits. He expects to announce his college choice near the end of his senior year and is focused on finding a program that can develop him, reach the NCAA Tournament and contend for a national title.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC turns up heat on five-star guard after Peach Jam statement gam
