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Five-Star UNC Basketball Target Schedules Visit to Tar Heel Rival

Recent UNC basketball offer recipient Jordan Smith Jr. is beginning to make moves in his recruitment.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball recruiting target Jordan Smith Jr.
UNC basketball recruiting target Jordan Smith Jr. / Greta Cross/Springfield News-Leader /
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UNC basketball wasn't the first Tobacco Road blueblood to enter the Jordan Smith Jr. sweepstakes. No, the offer from the Tar Heels arrived two days after archrival Duke joined the five-star battle last week. And on Sunday, the Blue Devils became the first reported suitors to secure a visit from the Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.) standout for his junior year.

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Smith, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound chiseled guard who sits No. 8 overall on the 247Sports 2026 Composite and already boasts well over a dozen offers, will be in Durham the second weekend of September, HS Top Recruits posted on social media via intel from Phenom Hoops' Patrick O'Brien.

Perhaps UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff will match Duke's step in the high-profile recruitment by landing a visit from Jordan Smith Jr. soon.

Duke, UNC, and reigning back-to-back national champion UConn are the last three offers that Smith announced in the past week after shining for Team Takeover at the prestigious Nike EYBL Peach Jam showcase earlier this month.

He's one of a half-dozen early 2026 targets for Hubert Davis' Tar Heels. The other five are Grayson High School (Ga.) five-star forward Caleb Holt, Caldwell Academy (N.C.) four-star forward Cole Cloer, Notre Dame High School (Calif.) five-star forward Tyran Stokes, Reidsville High School (N.C.) five-star forward Kendre' Harrison, and Compass Prep (Ariz.) four-star forward Miikka Muurinen.

All six rank among the top 50 in the cycle.

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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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