All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Update on Julius Halaifonua Recruitment

It seems more likely than not that the open 2024-25 UNC basketball roster spot will go unfilled.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball
UNC basketball / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis has the option to add another scholarship piece to his fourth Tar Heel team. At least for the moment, though, it appears the staff in Chapel Hill will probably just roll with the 2024-25 roster as it stands.

ALSO READ: UNC Finalizes Non-Conference Opponents on 2024-25 Schedule

In recent weeks, Davis and his crew have looked like a top contender for a late-reclass 2024 center from New Zealand in the 7-foot, 290-pound Julius Halaifonua. The four-star prospect, who attended NBA Global Academy in Auckland as a prep, mentioned a few times in July that the Tar Heels were in contact with his camp after watching him at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta.

Perhaps UNC basketball isn't completely out of the race just yet. That said, recent chatter and Halaifonua's current location suggest Georgetown is the outright frontrunner for the skilled big man's services next season.

On Monday, Halaifonua arrived in Washington, D.C., for an official visit with Georgetown head coach Ed Cooley and the Hoyas, 247Sports' Travis Branham reported.

Meanwhile, there are no other reported visits on tap for the gigantic New Zealander. And the clock is ticking, of course, for Julius Halaifonua to decide on a destination and enroll there in time for the fall semester.

Furthermore, On3 national recruiting insiders Jamie Shaw and Joe Tipton have forecasted Halaifonua to Georgetown.

More UNC Basketball 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