UNC Eyeing Elite Trio to Anchor 2026 Recruiting Class

Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball staff are zeroing in on three top-10 prospects who could shape the foundation of their 2026 recruiting class: Jordan Smith Jr., Anthony Thompson, and Caleb Holt—all of whom are ranked in the top 10 of On3’s national rankings for the cycle.

Smith, a dynamic 6-foot-2 guard from Paul VI in Virginia, currently holds the No. 4 national ranking and has amassed close to 30 Power Five offers. According to On3’s Jamie Shaw, Smith has already taken official visits to Duke, Louisville, Georgetown, and Syracuse. UNC head coach Hubert Davis made a point to watch him in action during Team Takeover’s appearance at the EYBL Live Period in Memphis. Smith also plans to visit Kentucky and Arkansas, with a commitment likely following this summer’s Peach Jam.

Caleb Holt, a 6-foot-5 wing from Grayson High School in Georgia, is another high-level talent on UNC’s radar. Shaw noted that Holt has taken an official visit to Ole Miss, his only one to date. UNC coaches were seen courtside at his recent Game Elite matchup on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit. Although Holt holds an offer from UNC, he has not yet scheduled an official visit to Chapel Hill.

Meanwhile, 6-foot-8 forward Anthony Thompson from Western Reserve Academy in Ohio, ranked No. 5 in the class, has also included UNC in his recruitment. Shaw reported that Thompson recently released a top-15 list that features the Tar Heels. Getting him on campus for a visit is the next step, with a commitment expected during the early signing period.

Securing even one of these elite prospects would be a significant win for the Tar Heels. Landing two—or a clean sweep—could position UNC’s 2026 class as one of the best in the country.

Duke Basketball Head Coach Sees Top UNC Recruiting Target

Duke Basketball Renews Interest in Five-Star PG Deron Rippey Jr.

A top-ranked point guard from New Jersey is back on Duke basketball’s radar.

Duke initially scouted Deron Rippey Jr. last summer, but there had been little buzz surrounding the Blair Academy (N.J.) standout and the Blue Devils since then. That changed over the weekend, signaling renewed interest from head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff.

According to HS Top Recruits, Scheyer was among several prominent head coaches who attended the 3SSB event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where Rippey suited up. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound floor general drew attention from notable coaches like UConn’s Dan Hurley, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, Louisville’s Pat Kelsey, Texas’s Sean Miller, Texas Tech’s Grant McCasland, and Miami’s Jai Lucas—a former Duke assistant. A host of assistant coaches from top programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee, NC State, and UNC were also present.

Rippey made the most of the spotlight, delivering a strong performance with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals in a win for New Heights.

Known for his explosive speed and sharp decision-making, Rippey holds a five-star rating and ranks No. 19 overall and No. 5 among point guards in the 2026 class, per the 247Sports Composite. His stock has risen significantly, climbing 12 spots over the past year.

Duke’s 2026 recruiting board now includes several five-star prospects, with the lone exception being Brewster Academy (N.H.) four-star forward Sebastian Wilkins, who is also a potential reclass candidate to 2025.

One-Year UNC Basketball Wing is ‘On the Rise’ as NBA Draft Prospect

Drake Powell’s NBA Draft Stock on the Rise After Impressive Combine Showing

UNC basketball standout Drake Powell has seemingly elevated his draft stock following an impressive performance at the NBA Draft Combine.

Among North Carolina’s 2024-25 roster, Powell appears to be the lone player likely to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 25-26 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The 19-year-old freshman from Pittsboro, N.C., is now in a strong position to potentially end UNC’s three-year drought without a first-round selection.

According to UNC basketball’s official social media, Powell stood out at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago by ranking among the top 10 in five key testing categories. Most notably, he recorded the highest max vertical leap (43 inches) and the top standing vertical leap (37.5 inches).

Supporting his upward momentum, ESPN’s first post-combine mock draft—courtesy of analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo—bumped Powell up one spot. He’s now projected to go 31st overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves (via the Utah Jazz), as the first pick of the second round.

At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, Powell compensates for his modest height with elite athleticism. While he averaged a modest 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game during his freshman season, his explosive leaping ability and flashes of two-way potential turned heads.

With his emerging skills, defensive upside, and ability to draw contact, Powell, once a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, could continue climbing into the low 20s in mock drafts and scouting boards as the draft approaches.

UNC Basketball continues its pursuit of the top New Jersey floor general.

UNC Basketball Keeping Close Tabs on 5-Star Guard Deron Rippey Jr. at 3SSB Event

The UNC basketball staff made sure to have boots on the ground this weekend to scout elite 2026 point guard Deron Rippey Jr.

A Tar Heel recruiter was spotted courtside during one of Rippey’s 3SSB games in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Saturday. Of course, they weren’t alone — Rippey’s stock has exploded, and his dynamic play has drawn interest from a who’s who of college basketball powers, many of whom had coaches in attendance to watch the high-octane guard in action.

Rippey, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound five-star out of New Jersey, is currently ranked No. 19 nationally, No. 5 among point guards, and sits atop the state rankings, per the 247Sports Composite for the 2026 class.

On Saturday morning, he backed up those numbers — and then some. Leading his New Heights team past Dream Vision, Rippey posted an impressive stat line of 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals, showcasing the well-rounded skill set and athleticism that have fueled his meteoric rise in the rankings over the past year.

UNC, which offered Rippey back in December, was joined by a large contingent of top-tier programs tracking the Blair Academy standout. According to HS Top Recruits, the crowd featured coaches from fellow bluebloods Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke, as well as in-state rival NC State.

Rippey has yet to release a list of finalists or a decision timeline, but with his recruitment heating up and attention at an all-time high, he’s one of the hottest names to watch in the 2026 class

The G League Elite Camp Selects Former UNC Basketball Guards for Starting Positions

Former Tar Heels RJ Davis and Caleb Love Make Their Case at G League Elite Camp

Two key members of UNC’s 2020 recruiting class, RJ Davis and Caleb Love, are chasing their NBA dreams in Chicago this week.

Although neither guard received an initial invite to the 75-player NBA Draft Combine, they still have a shot at cutting. Davis and Love are currently showcasing their skills at the G League Elite Camp, where standout performances could earn them a late call-up, just like former teammate Drake Powell, who is already locked into a Combine spot.

In Saturday’s opening games at Wintrust Arena, both Davis and Love cracked the starting lineup and reached double-digit scoring.

RJ Davis helped lead Team One to an 89-85 win, putting up 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a block in 22 minutes. He shot an efficient 5-for-9 from the field, although he missed both of his attempts from deep, and went 4-for-5 from the free throw line.

Caleb Love, starting for Team Four, scored 10 points in a tough 101-63 loss. He went 4-for-11 overall, 0-for-5 from three-point range, and knocked down both of his free throws. He also added one rebound and one assist in 21 minutes.

Davis and Love entered the college scene together in 2020 and were the Tar Heels’ backcourt duo for three seasons before Love transferred to Arizona in 2023. In their first seasons apart, both made waves — Davis earned ACC Player of the Year honors, while Love was named the final Pac-12 Player of the Year. Now, they’re hoping to impress NBA scouts enough to take the next step in their careers.

The UNC basketball forward is now in the top 10 transfer portal undecided.

Uncertainty Surrounds Ven-Allen Lubin’s Next Move After Entering Transfer Portal

The future of former UNC basketball forward Ven-Allen Lubin remains unclear as the offseason continues.

When Lubin entered the transfer portal nearly three weeks ago, he made it clear that his intention was to return to Chapel Hill for his senior season. However, as time has passed and buzz around other programs — including potential interest from in-state rival NC State — continues to build, a return to UNC is starting to feel less likely.

Lubin, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound Florida native, has already spent single seasons at Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and UNC. In his lone year with the Tar Heels, he started in more than half the games and emerged as a consistent contributor.

Now considered one of the top remaining uncommitted players in the portal, Lubin ranks No. 144 overall on 247Sports’ transfer board and sits at No. 9 among those still weighing their options.

Given his production last season — 8.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and nearly one block per game in just under 20 minutes — Lubin is attracting strong interest from several programs still looking to bolster their rosters. Where he lands next is still anyone’s guess.

One-and-Done UNC Basketball Players Not Included in Draft Combine Scrimmage Squads

Drake Powell Attends NBA Draft Combine, Skips Scrimmage Action

Former UNC basketball standout Drake Powell is in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine, but he won’t be taking part in the five-on-five scrimmages set to begin Wednesday afternoon.

Powell, a 6-foot-6 wing from Pittsboro, North Carolina, was one of the first 75 players invited to the pre-draft event. Although the scrimmages are optional, they often serve as a key opportunity for prospects to elevate their stock ahead of the draft. Still, skipping the games is not uncommon — and Powell is one of eight projected second-round picks sitting out, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Others opting out include Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, Rocco Zikarsky from Australia, Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier, Alabama’s Labaron Philon, Auburn’s Johni Broome, Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Florida’s Alex Condon.

Powell remains the lone UNC representative at this year’s Combine and is currently projected to be selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, which will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25–26.

During his lone season in Chapel Hill, Powell played in all 37 games for the Tar Heels, averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in just over 25 minutes per contest. He posted efficient shooting numbers, hitting 48.3% from the floor, 37.9% from beyond the arc, and 64.8% from the free-throw line. Though still raw, his athleticism and two-way upside have kept him firmly on NBA scouts’ radar.

UNC Basketball: Another Dubious Tournament Team Under Hubert Davis

Is This Really a Contender? Tar Heels’ 2025-26 Roster Raises Major Questions

When examining the current makeup of the 2025-26 UNC basketball team, there’s no immediate sign of elite firepower or star power. On paper, this doesn’t look like a squad destined to dominate.

Of all the freshmen brought in during Hubert Davis’ tenure, only Ian Jackson managed to crack double digits in scoring — and just barely. The former five-star McDonald’s All-American averaged 11.9 points per game before transferring out, his role fluctuating throughout the season.

Now, another five-star McDonald’s All-American is set to join the fold: forward Caleb Wilson, a top-10 recruit in the 2025 class. But some insiders believe he might start his college career on the bench, just like Jackson did.

“I’m not sure North Carolina is even a tournament team right now,” said Rob Dauster of The Field of 68 podcast on Thursday — a sobering take for Tar Heel faithful.

While the team welcomes a couple of promising four-star freshman guards and returns just two scholarship players — including only one part-time starter in senior Seth Trimble — the transfer additions have not blown anyone away. The lone consensus top-100 transfer, former Arizona center Henri Veesaar, is expected to anchor the paint. But he’s yet to average double figures or show sustained dominance at the collegiate level, only earning his first start this past February.

The bottom line: Hubert Davis’ fifth UNC roster lacks proven star talent and feels more like a work in progress than a title contender. Once again, North Carolina finds itself outside many national top 25 projections. After missing the NCAA Tournament last season and striking out on several key portal targets, this offseason haul isn’t what fans were hoping for.

Will this be another season of falling short in Chapel Hill — or is there still hope for a surprise turnaround?

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

The North Carolina Tar Heels just added another major piece to their basketball future—say hello to Jaydon Young, the newest Tar Heel ready to make waves in Chapel Hill!

A 6-foot-4 guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, Young brings a dynamic mix of toughness, scoring ability, and defensive grit that perfectly fits the Carolina blueprint. Known for his relentless energy on both ends of the floor, he’s been a standout throughout his high school career, showcasing a high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and a game that continues to evolve.

Young had offers from several high-major programs, but ultimately, it was UNC’s tradition, coaching staff, and family atmosphere that sealed the deal. His commitment represents more than just another talented guard—it’s a sign that Hubert Davis is continuing to lock down elite in-state talent while building a team hungry for banners.

Tar Heel fans should be excited. Young is the kind of player who embraces the spotlight and isn’t afraid of the big moment. Whether he’s knocking down shots from deep, diving for loose balls, or clamping down on an opponent’s top scorer, his impact will be felt from day one.

UNC’s backcourt future just got brighter—and bolder.

Welcome to the Carolina family, Jaydon. Chapel Hill is ready for you!

A former basketball target for UNC decommits after being selected unexpectedly.

Back in the fall, UNC basketball was in the mix for longtime Tar Heel fan Niko Bundalo

The 6-foot-10 senior forward from Prolific Prep (Calif.) had listed UNC among his top nine schools and later included them in his final four, alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. However, in a surprising move last November, Bundalo committed to Washington — a program that hadn’t made his previous shortlist.

Now, the recruitment race is back on. Multiple reports on Tuesday confirmed that Bundalo has been released from his signed commitment to Washington and is once again available.

Ranked No. 31 nationally in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Bundalo is now the second-highest ranked uncommitted prospect in the cycle.

It remains uncertain whether UNC head coach Hubert Davis will pursue him again, though Bundalo’s deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heels — inspired by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make Chapel Hill a natural fit. The Tar Heels still have roster spots open for next season.

UNC Basketball Makes the Cut for the Elite Forward List

The UNC basketball program remains in the hunt for five-star recruit Anthony Thompson, who announced his top 15 schools over the weekend.

In early January, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) standout small forward Anthony Thompson received an offer from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. Nearly four months later, UNC has secured a spot on his shortlist.

On Friday, Thompson revealed his top choices on social media, naming UNC along with BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.

The 6-foot-8, 185-pound left-hander narrowed his options after drawing over 30 scholarship offers early in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

According to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, Thompson currently sits at No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and is the No. 1 prospect in Ohio.

“Whenever Anthony Thompson is in the gym, it’s tough to find a jump shot that looks better,” 247Sports’ Eric Bossi recently observed, also noting Thompson’s impressive “nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan.”

The Tar Heels have issued numerous offers to 2026 prospects and remain firmly in the mix for many of their top recruiting targets.

A second UNC basketball starter arrives at the portal before the deadline.

UNC basketball has now seen several players opt to explore the transfer portal

On Monday morning, just under two days before the portal deadline, Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.