All Tar Heels

Elite UNC Basketball Target Could Be Two-Year College Player, Sort Of

Five-star guard Darryn Peterson might check out the UNC basketball program last.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
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In early January, Huntington Prep (W.Va.) junior Darryn Peterson named the UNC basketball recruiters among his eight finalists, along with Arkansas, Baylor, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio State.

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound five-star guard, No. 3 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, has referred to Kentucky as his "dream school" and will visit the Wildcats beginning March 6 in what will be the first official trip in his recruitment. So, it's safe to say John Calipari and his crew are at least among the frontrunners.

However, judging by the recent comments of Peterson's father, Darryl Peterson, who starred for Akron in the mid-2000s, there's reason to believe the Tar Heels remain squarely in contention.

"That's probably one of the visits that we'll do closer to the end," Darryl Peterson explained to 247Sports' Eric Bossi about their plan to check out Chapel Hill before his son decides on a college. "I played there back in the day when Sean May, Rashad McCants, and all of them were there. The history and tradition is incredible.

"I like what they are doing over there. One great thing about Hubert Davis is that he's been down to our school at Huntington Prep several times. That's important. The guards are kicking butt out there."

Interestingly, Darryl Peterson noted to Bossi that his son is considering a reclassification to 2024 but not with the intention of playing right away as a freshman.

"Right now, he's one of the youngest guys at the top of the rankings because he was never held back," he explained, "so this wouldn’t be going back to his original class.

"He would have to do two years of college. So, what we are getting colleges on board with is that if he comes, he’s going to be doing the preparation, getting the coaching, going through practices and the training table and then on game day having a seat and just learning that first year. That’s the vision of 2024 if we do it."

He added that Darryn Peterson's pursuers, presumably including the UNC basketball staff, are all receptive of him considering that path.

Peterson is one of nine, all of the five-star variety, on the Tar Heels' 2025 wishlist. Meanwhile, UNC's 2024 haul consists of three signees, including a guard in Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star Ian Jackson.

Towering Recruit Shines in Front of Tar Heel Assistant

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting 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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