Five-Star Wing Demarcus Henry Commits to North Carolina
On Friday, October 30, five-star North Carolina target Demarcus Henry announced he will attend the Tar Heels, choosing them ahead of Louisville, Arkansas and Kentucky. He becomes the first addition to the program’s 2027 recruiting group.
Henry’s choice marks the first significant high-school recruiting win for coach Michael Malone in his inaugural season. The Compass Prep player in Chandler, Arizona, revealed his decision during an ESPN broadcast. He visited North Carolina last weekend after taking visits to Louisville, Arkansas, Kentucky and UConn.
Henry is ranked No. 4 overall and the top small forward in the 2027 class by 247Sports. ESPN ranks him No. 2 overall. He is the highest-ranked player in the class to have announced a commitment so far; the three players ranked ahead of him by 247Sports remain uncommitted.
247Sports scouting director Adam Finkelstein highlighted Henry’s potential on defense, pointing to his size, reach and movement. In EYBL play, Henry averaged 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, along with 9.2 rebounds, including 2.9 offensive boards. He averaged 8.4 rebounds in EYBL Scholastic play.
Henry is the son of former NFL receiver Chris Henry, who died in 2009. His sibling, Chris Henry Jr., was a five-star football prospect in the 2026 class and is now a freshman at Ohio State. North Carolina’s commitment gives Malone’s staff its first pledge for the upcoming class.