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California Prep Cuts UNC Basketball, Set to Announce

UNC basketball landed in the top five for Nikolas Khamenia but fell short of the four-star's final three.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball
UNC basketball / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Recent chatter suggested the Tar Heels were likely no longer contenders for Harvard-Westlake School (Calif.) forward Nikolas Khamenia. And as of Monday, it looks as though Hubert Davis and his UNC basketball staff have no chance of coming out on top.

ALSO READ: Announcement Primer for UNC Target Braylon Mullins

After all, despite earning a spot in the 6-foot-8, 210-pound four-star's top five back in August before hosting him for an official visit in early September, the recruiters in Chapel Hill are not among the three finalists in the graphic advertising his scheduled announcement time: 5:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. No, as 247Sports' Adam Finkelstein confirmed, Khamenia is now set to choose between UCLA, Gonzaga, and Duke.

Arizona is the other school that ended up getting cut in Khamenia's trimming from five to three.

Judging by the 247Sports Crystal Ball, Rivals FutureCast, and On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Gonzaga and Duke might be nothing more than recognized placeholders next to now-consensus favorite UCLA.

Khamenia ranks No. 27 overall, No. 8 among power forwards, and No. 5 in California on the 247Sports 2025 Composite.

He's one of eight power forwards in the cycle who have landed UNC basketball offers. The Tar Heels, looking to add to their one-member 2025 haul in Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) four-star combo guard Derek Dixon, haven't reeled in any pledges from that group, although they seemingly remain in play for a few.

ALSO READ: Potential UNC Prize Gets Revenge Versus Twin Duke Pledges

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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