All Tar Heels

Expert Sees Two 'Instant Impact' UNC Basketball Recruiting Prizes

UNC basketball's 2024 recruiting efforts may have produced a couple of immediate starters.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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The 2024 UNC basketball recruiting class isn't as shiny as it once was, as five-star guard Elliot Cadeau reclassified to 2023 to arrive in Chapel Hill for this season. That said, the three-deep haul, all in ink as of this month's early signing period, is still an impressive collection. It ranks fifth in the country.

The Tar Heels will need some of the group's firepower next season. Fifth-year center Armando Bacot exhausts his eligibility this season, and chances are senior guard RJ Davis, among a few others, won't be in town this time next year either.

Fortunately for third-year UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff, two five-star prospects appear ACC-ready, at least in the eyes of Eric Bossi, 247Sports' top basketball recruiting expert.

Last week, Bossi outlined what the future Tar Heels might provide the program next season.

He suggested that Northwood High School (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell and Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star guard Ian Jackson both have one-and-done potential while viewing Link Academy (Mo.) four-star big man James Brown as more of a long-term project:

"An explosive wing who grew up pretty much down the road from the Smith Center, Powell has soared up the rankings since committing to the Heels. He's now a top-five player and potential one-and-done prospect. He's still adding to his overall skill, but his upside is tremendous.

"One of the most explosive scorers in the class, Jackson is another five-star and a guy capable of creating for himself who has had a strong fall.

"Brown gives the Tar Heels a solid post player who will be able to add depth to the frontcourt early in his career while developing into a bigger contributor later on in his career."

Here's how Bossi summed up the group:

"This isn't the biggest class, but Powell and Jackson look to be instant impact difference makers."

Drake Powell ranks ninth on the 247Sports 2024 Composite. Ian Jackson sits one notch below him in 10th. And James Brown is 68th, down 41 spots from when he committed to the Tar Heels in early January.

UNC Recruiting: Five-Star Postpones Visit, Thrives on Court

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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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