2027 Top 10 Prospect Paul Osaruyi Expects Kentucky to Reach Out During Contact Period

Paul Osaruyi made quite the impression on the Kentucky staff during Friday’s EYBL live session. The 2027 top 10 prospect checked off all the boxes you look for in a prospect.

With Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Cody Fueger in attendance, Osaruyi went for 17 points and 12 rebounds in a 74-72 win over Vegas Elite on Friday. Playing with AZ Unity, Osaruyi is averaging 12 points and 6.2 rebounds per game during the Nike EYBL.

“I was just being a team player, trying to get my team in check, and score when I needed to score,” Osaruyi told KSR+. “I was trying to be a dominant force on both ends, shot block, protect the rim, and do the little things that really count.”

Kentucky is Expected to Be in the Mix

Kentucky has been in contact with Osaruyi’s coaches at
Canyon International Academy (Glendale, AZ) ahead of the June 15th period. That’s when college coaches can reach out directly.

“When that contact period comes, I think they’ll hit me up,” Osaruyi said. “It’s a good program. I like the coach. I’ll have to see how their season goes. They’ll come and watch me to see how my season goes. We’ll see how that progresses.”

During Mark Pope‘s first season at Kentucky, his offensive scheme intrigued many prospects. Osaruyi is one of them.

“His style of play is very aggressive, and he has a good defense,” Osaruyi said. “That boy, [Otega] Oweh, is a dog. I love watching him. My style of play is a good fit. I’ll see how I’d fit in that style of play as I get older and my high school season progresses.”

Paul Osaruyi’s Game

Four-star forward Paul Osaruyi of Canyon International Academy (AZ) is the nation’s No. 6 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Osaruyi as the No. 12 player overall and the No. 2-ranked power forward.

“I’m a long, physical defender. I’m a long athlete and a good athlete,” Osaruyi said. “I can sprint the floor. I have a great motor. I can shoot. I’m more of a downhill force and a good athlete. I jump at everything.”

Nike EYBL Phoenix: All-Circuit Awards 🏆

Underclass MVP 🎓

Paul Osaruyi | Arizona Unity | 2027

11.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Full Awards ⤵️https://t.co/oUZrdZeuEu @Arizona_Unity 📹 @athleteaiapp @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/gZ7kX9LEwh

— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) April 30, 2025

Osaruyi is looking to show off his motor and effort this summer. He said, “That’s really all I need.”

“I’m a good ball handler for my size,” Osaruyi said. “I need to get better at shooting, but that will come as the season goes on.”

The Recruiting Process

Paul Osaruyi is hearing from schools all across the map, including SEC and Big 12 programs. He said that a majority of the blue-blood schools have been in contact with his coaches over the course of the season.

“I just went on a couple of unofficial visits,” Osaruyi said. “I got to see the campuses of UNC, Duke, NC State, and Wake Forest.”

Osaruyi is unsure of upcoming visits. He believes his coaches have some in mind.

“[I’m looking for coaches who] have confidence in me, stay true to their words, develop me, and have good communication,” he said.