UNC Basketball Survives Major List Cut for Elite Five-Star Forward Anthony Thompson

UNC Basketball Survives Major List Cut for Elite Five-Star Forward Anthony Thompson

The race for one of the top prospects in the 2026 class is heating up — and North Carolina is still very much in the fight.

Over the weekend, five-star forward Anthony Thompson, one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, trimmed his long list of suitors to just 15 schools. Fortunately for UNC basketball fans, the Tar Heels survived the cut.

Thompson, a 6-foot-8 southpaw sensation from Western Reserve Academy (Ohio), revealed his finalists on social media, listing North Carolina alongside BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan. It’s a loaded field, but the Tar Heels remain firmly in the mix.

The Rise of Anthony Thompson

It’s easy to see why Thompson has become one of the most coveted names in the 2026 recruiting cycle. After piling up more than 30 offers early in his recruitment, he now holds a national ranking of No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and is recognized as the No. 1 player in Ohio, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Thompson’s game is built on rare physical gifts and a polished skill set. Standing 6-foot-8 with a nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan, he presents an imposing figure on both ends of the floor. But it’s not just his size that has college coaches salivating — it’s his buttery-smooth jump shot that truly separates him.

“Whenever Anthony Thompson is in the gym, it’s pretty much impossible to find a better-looking jump shot,” wrote 247Sports analyst Eric Bossi, highlighting the sharpshooter’s elite shooting form and natural scoring instincts.

UNC’s Position in the Race

UNC head coach Hubert Davis and his staff offered Thompson back in early January, making him one of their priority targets in the 2026 class. Since then, the Tar Heels have remained aggressive, continuing to build a relationship and pitching Thompson on the opportunity to be a star in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels have been casting a wide but strategic net in the 2026 class, extending double-digit offers but staying competitive for their top targets. Thompson represents a dream fit for North Carolina’s system — a long, skilled wing who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and create mismatches all over the court.

Landing Thompson won’t be easy, with blue bloods like Kentucky and Kansas in hot pursuit, and Big Ten heavyweights like Ohio State and Michigan also making a strong push. But UNC’s tradition, combined with their proven track record of developing NBA-caliber wings, could give them a real shot.

What’s Next for Thompson?

Now that Thompson has trimmed his list, the next phase will be setting up visits and continuing to build relationships with coaching staffs. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Chapel Hill host the elite forward at some point in the near future — something Tar Heel fans should be eagerly watching for.

A commitment is still a long way off, but for now, UNC basketball is exactly where it wants to be: in contention for one of the best players in America.

Stay tuned — this recruitment is just getting started, and it’s clear that Anthony Thompson has all the tools to be a future star wherever he lands.