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UNC Basketball: Coveted 7-Footer Reveals Announcement Date

At this point, a UNC basketball victory in the Malachi Moreno battle would be a massive upset.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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It appears Malachi Moreno won't be in Chapel Hill for an official visit with the UNC basketball program this fall after all. The same goes for the handful of trips to other suitors that he had on his calendar.

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On Wednesday afternoon, On3's Joe Tipton reported that the Great Crossing High School (Ky.) rising senior has set a decision date. The 7-foot-1, 230-pound center, a four-star sitting at No. 26 overall and No. 2 among full-fledged centers on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, will announce his commitment at 11 a.m. ET Friday.

At the time of this article's publishing, it's somewhat surprising that there is still only one entered prediction in the 247Sports Crystal Ball for Malachi Moreno. It comes from premier insider Travis Branham and points to home-state favorite Kentucky coming out on top.

That forecast makes sense given the timing of the suddenly announced finish line in his recruitment. After all, the Wildcats hosted Moreno in Lexington earlier this month.

In late June, UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his crew, who extended an offer to Moreno roughly a month earlier, landed in his top eight. Kentucky, Louisville, Iowa, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Ohio State, and Indiana are his other finalists.

The only other center on UNC basketball's 2025 offer sheet is The Bullis School (Md.) four-star Eric Reibe, a 7-foot, 235-pounder boasting a No. 38 composite ranking 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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