Ezra Ausar: North Carolina's top 2022 prospect talks offers

Sometimes the best can be hidden in plain sight. This season, Ezra Ausar has been one of North Carolina’s most physically dominating players. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior is averaging less than a rebound shy of a double-double, leading his Charlotte (NC) Liberty Heights Academy team to a 22-2 record.

“Attacking the rim and rebounding is what I do best,” Ausar told On3. “Defensively, I can guard one through five. I watch a lot of Jayson Tatum with his counter-moves and pull-up jump shots. I love the way Joel Embiid stays mean throughout the game.”

Ausar was a starter last season at Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy and played with the Georgia Stars on Nike’s EYBL 17u circuit this summer. He transferred to North Carolina power program Liberty Heights to play his final year of high school.

“This year, I have been able to stay dominant throughout the game and do what I do to get the win,” Ausar said. “I have been able to show people who I am with this team, show my character and leadership.”

College coaches have bought in to the unique nature of Ausar’s game this season. This weekend, Ezra Ausar spoke exclusively with On3 after a 21 point and 12 rebound performance at the Court XIV Classic.

“I am talking a lot with Wichita State and UMass,” Ausar said. “Texas A&M has offered too. Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Providence, Utah, and Georgia have started talking to me a lot recently.”

Ausar talks recruitment

Wichita State: “They are a great school; the academics are good there. They don’t have football there, so basketball is big, and they have a good atmosphere. I am learning a lot about the program.”

UMass: “I have watched a few of their games, and I fit what they do. I am going to set up a visit there to learn more about them. They were my first offer.”

Ausar’s take

“A lot of schools, right now, are checking in regularly, hitting me up after my games congratulating me. I’m honestly just waiting on those schools to pull the trigger and give me an opportunity.

“I want to be in a comfortable environment, around coaches I trust. I’ll be looking at the community around the program I choose; I want to be active in the community. I’m not going to go to a school for the hype of the school; I want to go to a school where I am going to have an opportunity to impact winning.”

On3’s take

Ezra Ausar is a physical and explosive forward prospect. He has been a force on the glass, on both ends of the floor, and a uniquely switchable defender. Ausar can slide his feet on the perimeter and switch down to guard the post, sometimes all in the same possession. Ausar is an excellent passer, capable of pushing the break and initiating the offense or being played through in the half-court. He will need to continue gaining confidence in his jump shot and fine-tuning the little things. At an explosive and lengthy 6-8, 235-pounds, Ausar’s unique ability to defend, rebound, and pass make him a top 100 type prospect.