All Tar Heels

Two UNC Basketball Signees Survive Midseason Naismith Trophy Cuts

Future UNC basketball players Ian Jackson and Drake Powell remain on the watchlist for the top prep honor.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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No UNC basketball recruiting prize is likely to win the 2024 Naismith Boys' High School Player of the Year Trophy. For now, it feels like a two-horse race between Duke and Rutgers signees Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey, No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

Even so, just appearing on a watchlist for the award is a high honor in itself. And as of Thursday afternoon, the two five-star pieces to the Tar Heels' three-deep 2024 class, Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) guard Ian Jackson and Northwood (N.C.) forward Drake Powell, advanced from the preseason (50 names) to midseason (25) stage.

Powell boasts a No. 9 composite ranking, one spot above Jackson.

Duke, enjoying a five-deep, top-ranked 2024 haul, leads the way with three of its future five-star talents on the list: Montverde (Fla.) forward Cooper Flagg, North Meck (N.C.) forward Isaiah Evans, and Wisconsin Lutheran forward Kon Knueppel.

The other 2024 UNC signee, four-star James Brown, ranks No. 68 overall and is the starting center for one of the nation's top five high school teams in Link Academy (Mo.). However, he did not end up on either the Naismith Award's preseason or midseason list.

UNC's collection, all in ink as of November's early signing period, sits at No. 7 in the country, per 247Sports.

Somewhat surprisingly, since the Naismith Trophy's inception in 1987, legendary Latta (S.C.) guard Raymond Felton is the only Tar Heel to have come away with the hardware. The eventual 2005 UNC basketball national champion and three-time All-ACC selection earned the distinction as a high school senior in 2002.

UNC Would Be Transfer Destination for Former Duke Star

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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