All Tar Heels

Insider: UNC Basketball Is the ‘Program to Watch’ for Elite Prep

UNC basketball looks like a frontrunner for five-star 2025 forward Bryson Tiller.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
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The UNC basketball coaches have been official pursuers of Overtime Elite (Ga.) junior Bryson Tiller since extending an offer to the 6-foot-9, 240-pound bruiser during the summer. Months later, at least one national recruiting insider is hinting at the Tar Heels being the favorites in the race.

On Wednesday, Rivals' Rob Cassidy assessed several high-profile 2025 recruitments, naming a "program to watch" for each. Those breakdowns included three UNC basketball targets: Tiller and the heralded sons of Duke basketball champ Carlos Boozer in five-star forward Cameron Boozer and five-star guard Cayden Boozer.

Unsurprisingly, he painted the Blue Devils as the frontrunners for the Boozer twins, making no mention of the Tar Heels.

But here's what Cassidy wrote to explain the UNC basketball staff's perceived early advantage in the Bryson Tiller sweepstakes (yet noting other major players may enter the mix before long):

"The Tar Heels offered Tiller back in June and have made him a top priority since. Head coach Hubert Davis made a priority of watching Tiller's games at the NBA Top 100 Camp this summer, and it feels as though UNC will be a player until the end.

"The Atlanta-based Tiller also feels intrigued by Indiana in addition to SEC schools such as Auburn and Georgia. It feels as though Tiller may pick up additional interest this year, so look for more blue bloods to join the fray if things go well for him at Overtime Elite."

Tiller ranks No. 8 overall, No. 4 among power forwards, and No. 2 in Georgia on the 247Sports 2025 Composite. He boasts roughly two dozen offers and has yet to name finalists.

And no 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions exist for the battle.

He's among nine 2025 talents on Hubert Davis' wishlist, along with the Boozer twins, five-star forward Koa Peat, five-star forward Caleb Wilson, five-star forward AJ Dybantsa, five-star forward Isiah Harwell, five-star guard Darryn Peterson, and five-star guard Jasper Johnson.

Prime Tar Heel Target Looks 'Built for the League'

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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