UNC Recruiting: Garrison Brooks commitment will pay dividends

The impact of Garrison Brooks’ commitment to North Carolina will be felt for years to come

Late Friday night, class of 2017 prospect Garrison Brooks committed to the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team.

The 6-foot-9, 215-pound power forward committed to Mississippi State in November, signing a letter of intent to play at the school in which his father, George Brooks, is an assistant coach.

Just a few months later, Brooks requested his release from the school in an attempt to re-open his recruitment and field other offers. An NCAA appeals committee granted Brooks’ unconditional release and confirmed his immediate eligibility for the upcoming season.

Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams during practice for the 2017 Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina had been a finalist during Brooks’ initial recruitment when he committed to the Bulldogs last winter, and they immediately shot to the top of his list once he went back on the market.

Less than a month later and just a couple of weeks after the Tar Heels were crowned 2017 NCAA Tournament champions, Brooks pledged to North Carolina head coach Roy Williams.

The four-star big man is the fifth player in UNC’s 2017 class along with Jalek Felton, Brandon Huffman, Sterling Manley and Andrew Platek.

He adds size and depth to the Tar Heels’ front court, which loses seniors Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks and could be without star freshman Tony Bradley.

But that’s not all that Brooks brings to the table in 2017, what with his improved offensive game and ability to run the court in Williams’ signature fast-paced, high-octane system.

As a senior, Brooks averaged 15.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game and then followed that up with an excellent showing on the AAU circuit.

Not only does Brooks immediately provide the necessary size and depth to the Tar Heels front court and bench, but he’ll push incumbent starters to play well in order to keep their jobs. That, and, the uncertainty that still exists when it comes to which players will start next season, particularly if Bradley decides to try his luck in the NBA Draft.

Make no mistake, Brooks will make a push to start on this team. And that is despite which players choose to stay and which ones decide to leave. Luke Maye came on strong in his sophomore season, but his place in the starting lineup is not set in stone.

And even if Brooks doesn’t start a single game this season, he will in seasons to come. The Tar Heels could still use a couple of big-time recruits in their front court, but Brooks, Huffman and Manley will be a formidable force in the not-so-distant future.

And unless we’re all taken by surprise, each of the aforementioned big men will be around for at least three seasons, if not for the entirety of their college eligibility.

Of the three post players, Brooks has the most potential and highest upside. It’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which he isn’t a starter in Chapel Hill for multiple seasons.

Brooks’ commitment is a big one. For now, and in the future. Keep an eye out for him in the UNC front court. He won’t be hard to find.

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