All Tar Heels

Future UNC Basketball Center Set to Play Televised Game

A 2024 UNC basketball signee and his 2025 Tar Heel target teammate will square off against a fellow top-10 prep team.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Late Tuesday night, UNC basketball fans can tune in to watch future Tar Heel big man James Brown in action. As part of this week's 5 For Fight National Hoopfest in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Brown's Link Academy (Mo.) squad faces AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) at 10 p.m. ET.

And ESPNU will broadcast the game live.

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Link Academy ranks No. 2 in the country, per ESPN. AZ Compass ranks No. 8.

Brown, a 6-foot-9, 210-pound four-star who committed to the Tar Heels in early January and inked his national letter of intent during this month's early signing period, sits at No. 68 overall, No. 11 at his position, and No. 4 among Missouri prospects on the 247Sports 2024 Composite. He's one of three heralded recruits in UNC's class.

It's worth noting that one of Brown's Link Academy teammates, five-star Jasper Johnson, holds a UNC basketball offer.

Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound guard, ranks No. 13 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite. He's one of nine high school juniors on the Tar Heels' current wishlist.

On Monday night, in a 74-60 win over Canyon International Academy (Ariz.) at the showcase, Johnson finished with 14 points and four rebounds, shooting 4-for-7 beyond the arc.

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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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