Pat Kelsey’s first commitment from the class of 2026 is a big one, both figuratively and literally.
Obinna Ekezie, a five-star center from Orlando, committed to Louisville on Sunday. The 7’1 big man is currently rated as the No. 4 overall player in the class of 2027, but he also announced Sunday (as expected) that he’ll be reclassifying to 2026 and joining the Cardinals for the 2026-27 season.
When asked why he picked U of L over fellow finalists Kentucky, Maryland, Arkansas and BYU, Ekezie told On3
that it came down to fit and goals.
“I chose Louisville because it has everything I need in terms of winning and development. 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. We’re striving to win a National Championship.”
Originally from Nigeria, Ekezie spent his 8th grade year at St. Raphael school in Louisville before moving to Florida and attending Fort Lauderdale Prep. He then transferred to Southeastern Prep in Orlando before the 2025-26 school year. As a junior last season, the big man averaged 17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per games, and shot 60.2 percent from the field.
Ekezie’s father, also named Obinna Ekezie, played for Maryland from 1995-99 before being selected in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft. He played for five different NBA teams over six years before continuing his professional career overseas.
Between Ekezie, Bidunga and 7’5 transfer Gabe Dynes from USC, it’s safe to say that no one will describe Kelsey’s third Cardinal team as “undersized,” the way they did his first two.
