Carolina Offers 2021 PF Jabari Smith

Roy Williams extended his ninth scholarship offer of the 2021 recruiting cycle to 6-foot-10, 210-pound power forward Jabari Smith from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, GA.

One day after offering a scholarship to 2022 five-star Mark Mitchell, Coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels offered 2021 five-star Jabari Smith. Not counting Dontrez Styles (who is already committed to UNC), there are now eight other Carolina offers in the class of 2021.

Smith attends Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, GA. The Tar Heels are late to the game for the 6-foot-10, 210-pound power forward as compared to other suitors. However, Rivals.com’s Corey Evans said in an article on Tuesday he believes that “if there is one program that could change the complexion of his [Smith’s] recruitment, it is North Carolina. It is a matter of when and not if the Tar Heels offer. When they do, the Tar Heels could rocket to the top of the list.”

That “when” occurred just two days later. Evans also mentioned that “Smith has given very little time or attention to the programs recruiting him and it is rather perplexing that zero bluebloods have offered him to this point.” He went on to see it appears that Auburn has a slight lead at the current juncture (keeping in mind this article was published prior to the UNC offer).

All told, Smith hold 13 offers. Other than Carolina, the list includes Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Mississippi, TCU, Tennessee, UAB, and Western Kentucky.

According to the 247 Sports Composite rankings, Smith is ranked fourth nationally, second positionally, and number one in the state of Georgia.

Interestingly, Smith’s 2020 season ended in the Georgia Elite Eight at the hands of potential future teammate Walker Kessler from Woodward Academy in Fairburn, Georgia. 

Check out highlights of their matchup:

In an evaluation dating January 21, 2020, Josh Gershon, a National Recruiting Analyst for 247 Sports, said of Smith:

“Smith is a face up four who has continuously grown in height over the last couple of years. He now has good size for the position to go with a still extremely physically immature frame with plenty of room to gain strength. While Smith has a jump hook and can post up, he is most comfortable facing up. He has a smooth stroke with range to the perimeter. Improving athletically and as a passer. Rebounds area well and has made progress as rim protector. Projects as first round pick with normal expected development.”

Regardless of how freshmen Kessler and Day’Ron Sharpe perform this year, senior Garrison Brooks is a guaranteed departure from the frontcourt. Assuming the expected progression, Armando Bacot will likely leave for the NBA after the upcoming season. While Kessler and Sharpe are wild cards performance-wise (all freshmen are!), it is safe to say that at least one of them will have the type of performance to allow for a jump to the professional ranks. What does that all add up to?

Roy Williams will need frontcourt help in 2021. Jabari Smith could be part of the answer.

Make sure to check out Smith’s highlights:

Stay with AllTarHeels for all your recruiting information. We’ll update you on Jabari Smith’s recruitment as it unfolds, as well as all other North Carolina basketball recruits.

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