All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Trending as Frontrunner in Five-Star Recruiting Races

An ambitious 2025 offer sheet might pay off for the UNC basketball coaches.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

This week, HS Top Recruits posted predictions/favorites for six high-profile 2025 recruiting battles, including four that involve the UNC basketball program. The account views the Tar Heels as the leader for five-star forward Caleb Wilson and in a two-horse race with Gonzaga for five-star guard Isiah Harwell.

RELATED: Five-Star Prep Caleb Wilson Goes Off Before Visiting UNC for Duke Game

However, the forecasts anticipate two UNC targets heading elsewhere: five-star guard Jasper Johnson to Kentucky and five-star guard Darryn Peterson to Kentucky or Kansas.

Even so, none of the four prospects named above have eliminated the Tar Heels from contention, at least not publicly.

And it's worth remembering that Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound sharpshooter and admitted longtime Tar Heel enthusiast despite growing up in Lexington, Ky., recently visited UNC, attending the team's home win over Duke alongside Wilson. Plus, he's a Link Academy (Mo.) teammate to a 2024 UNC signee, four-star center James Brown.

RELATED: Future Tar Heel James Brown Steps Up Jasper Johnson Recruiting Efforts

Meanwhile, HS Top Recruits' look at the Harwell sweepstakes aligns what Rivals' Rob Cassidy noted about Gonzaga and UNC seemingly running well out ahead of his other suitors. Cassidy explained that the 6-foot-6, 200-pound Harwell became a Tar Heel fan as a kid "in a contrarian effort to spite his older brothers, who supported Duke."

As for Peterson, the 6-foot-5, 195-pound smooth playmaker still has UNC among his eight finalists following his latest round of cuts two months ago.

Five others in the class hold a UNC basketball offer and remain undecided in their recruitments. They are five-star forward Cameron Boozer and his twin brother in five-star guard Cayden Boozer, five-star forward Koa Peat, five-star forward AJ Dybantsa, and five-star forward Bryson Tiller.

The 247Sports Crystal Ball remains empty for all nine 2025 Tar Heel pursuits.

UNC Recruiting: Armando Bacot's Brother Now Generating Buzz

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

Published
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.

Home/Basketball