All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Coaches Arrive to Watch Five-Star Sharpshooter

Jasper Johnson continues to attract loads of UNC basketball attention.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball recruiting target Jasper Johnson
UNC basketball recruiting target Jasper Johnson / Stu Boyd II-The Commercial Appeal / USA
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UNC basketball hosted Jasper Johnson for an official visit back in early February, coinciding with the Tar Heels' rivalry victory over Duke in the Smith Center.

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Plus, the Link Academy (Mo.) five-star guard, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound slick sniper who ranks No. 11 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, was a teammate to incoming UNC freshman big man James Brown this past season. And Johnson has admitted in the past to growing up a fan of the Tar Heels.

So, it's no surprise UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his crew extended an offer way back in September and have remained among Johnson's finalists as a perceived top contender ever since.

Providing another indicator of the Tar Heels' persistent pursuit in the high-profile recruiting race, at least two UNC coaches showed up courtside at Pacers Athletic Center in Indiana to watch Johnson play for Team Thad Nation (Tenn.) in Nike EYBL action on Friday afternoon.

Recruiting expert Charlie Parent reported that "UNC is two deep, presumably for Jasper Johnson." Considering Johnson is the only player in the game versus MoKan Elite (Mo.) who is on Davis & Co.'s wishlist, chances are he is the No. 1 reason for their appearance.

Johnson is one of nine 2025 five-stars holding a UNC basketball offer. The Tar Heels still await their first pledge in the cycle.

Perhaps Jasper Johnson will be the first, as the decision timeline he recently outlined to League Ready suggests he's in the homestretch of his recruitment.

"If everything goes right, I'll probably commit at the end of the summer," Johnson noted. "I plan on taking a couple more visits this summer before I plan on committing."

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC basketball 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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