Three days before new North Carolina head coach Michael Malone takes the court, he's already got his first win. Five-star small forward Demarcus Henry announced his commitment to North Carolina Friday, choosing the Tar Heels over Arkansas, Louisville and Kentucky.

The No. 2 player in the Class of 2027, according to ESPN, becomes the program's highest-ranked recruit since second-ranked Cole Anthony in 2019.

The 6'7 small forward out of AZ Compass Prep has solidified himself as one of the nation's top prospects, ranking seventh in scoring on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer with 19.3 PPG, third in rebounding with 9.2 RPG and shooting about 52% from the field. He was also named to the USA Basketball U18 national team, helping them win silver at the 2026 FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup earlier this year.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Henry carries on the elite athletic tradition of his brother, Ohio State wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. and his father, former NFL wideout Chris Henry.

His commitment marks North Carolina's first get from the Class of 2027, but Malone's also been in hot pursuit of fellow top-5 prospects Beckham Black (PG) and CJ Rosser (PF).