No. 1 2027 prospect Marcus Spears Jr. reclassifies and commits to Texas after Arizona visit

The No. 1 prospect in the class of 2027, is reclassifying and committing to Texas for the upcoming college basketball season. Spears told ESPN on Thursday that Arizona, LSU and Kentucky had also pursued him.

He took an official visit to Arizona in late June and made two unofficial visits to Texas, including one to Austin on June 16. "Texas basketball is becoming a big thing again, and I am excited to be part of it," Spears said. "The Texas fans can expect a worker with a lot of energy.

A 6-foot-10 power forward from Dynamic Prep in Texas, Spears was the only player to rank in the top 10 in both scoring and rebounding on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring, averaging 20.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. He helped lead USA Basketball to a gold medal at the FIBA U16 Men's AmeriCup in 2025, averaging a team-high 14.0 points and 6.5 rebounds while earning All-Star Five honors.

Spears turned 17 in April and is two years from NBA draft eligibility, meaning he will spend two seasons at Texas.

His father, former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears, said the decision reflected family roots in the state. "Marcus Jr. grew up in Texas, and there's nothing like playing for your home school and winning," the elder Spears said.

"I experienced that growing up in Louisiana at LSU. " The father cited coach Sean Miller's record of player development as a key factor. Spears Jr. said he built a strong relationship with Miller during recruitment.

"I got along with him, very well," the prospect said. "He showed me everything about the program and knew my game. He explained my position and explained his plan for me. " The reclassification process began about a month ago when Spears' mother, former WNBA player Aiysha Spears, suggested moving up the timeline.