When you think of NaVorro Bowman, you probably picture a dominant NFL linebacker wreaking havoc on the field. But now, a different NaVorro Bowman is making waves—this time on the hardwood.

The UCLA Bruins are firmly in the mix to land four-star basketball recruit NaVorro Bowman Jr., the son of the four-time All-Pro linebacker. Standing 6'3" and playing guard for Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Bowman Jr. has the Bruins as one of his top choices—and proximity could play a big role in the decision.

Ranked as the No. 1 player in California and the No. 22 overall prospect in the 2027 class by 247 Sports, Bowman Jr. is a rising star with serious scoring chops. He averaged 22.5 points per game last season, leading the Knights to a 22-8 record. His father, who spent the last two seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers' linebackers coach, stepped down this offseason to focus on his son's recruiting journey.

Bowman Jr. recently spoke with On3 Sports about his recruitment, naming Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Stanford as other schools in contention. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin extended an offer last June, with USC following suit in August.

For the Bruins, landing Bowman Jr. would be a major win. UCLA has been eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament two years running, and while they've added forward Joe Philon and center Javonte Floyd for the 2026 class—currently ranked No. 37 nationally—the transfer portal haul has been underwhelming. Expectations for next season are tempered, making a splashy 2027 commitment all the more important.

Bowman Jr. would be UCLA's first 2027 pledge, and keeping the son of a pro athlete in the Los Angeles area could signal a new chapter for the program. With his scoring ability and pedigree, he's the kind of player who could help the Bruins get back on track.