UConn hoops lands commitment from 5-star NaVorro Bowman Jr., son of ex-49ers great

NaVorro Bowman Jr. became the highest-rated recruit from the 2027 class to commit to a school on Thursday when he committed to UConn.

ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter first reported Bowman’s commitment. Why is Schefter reporting college basketball news? Because Bowman is the son of NaVorro Bowman, a former four-time All-Pro linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.

Bowman Jr., ranked 11th in the 2027 class in the 247Sports Composite, is the only five-star to commit thus far. Because of the transfer portal, there are fewer high school commitments in the fall than in the past. The other factor with the 2027 class is the introduction of the NCAA’s age-based (five-in-five) eligibility model, allowing college athletes to play five seasons. That means very few players on current rosters will see their eligibility end following the 2026-27 season.

On the Huskies, for instance, only guard Isaiah Shaw will run out of eligibility, although it’s possible UConn could have some early entrants to the NBA Draft, most likely projected lottery pick Braylon Mullins.

A 6-3 combo guard, Bowman averaged 20.5 points and 3.6 assists this summer on the Nike EYBL Circuit. He’s UConn’s first 2027 commitment and the fifth five-star that Hurley has landed at UConn.

UConn was a projected top-10 team in The Athletic’s most recent offseason Top 25.