UNC Recruiting: Which class of 2018 targets will commit to North Carolina?
Better luck next time
Zion Williamson is a heck of player. There’s no denying that. But like so many other elite players in recent years, this five-star prospect will turn down the Tar Heels, likely for another shade of blue.
The 6-foot-7, 230-pound phenom is arguably the top prep player in the country. In terms of raw athletic ability and excitement, though, he’s unequivocally the top player in the nation.
His combination of size and sheer strength, along with his tremendous athleticism and leaping ability, will make him a nightmare for defenders to guard. That, and his ability to apply defensive pressure and run the fast break, make him one of the most coveted recruits in the country.
Sure, he missed a few dunks in that highlight reel. Let’s be honest, though, his missed dunks are more exciting than most players’ makes.
Williamson is the No. 2 prospect in the class of 2018 according to the 247Sports Composite ranking. He’s the top small forward in the class and the No. 1 player in the state of South Carolina.
He holds offers from over 30 schools including Arizona, Baylor, Clemson, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, UCLA and Virginia, among others.
It appears, though, as if traditional blue bloods have moved to the forefront of his recruitment in recent months as Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina look to have a leg up on everyone else.
Prediction: Kansas
Romeo Langford is North Carolina’s top back court prospect in the class and the No. 1-ranked shooting guard in the country.
The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Langford is a tremendous athlete with a terrific skill set that will translate well to the collegiate level. His ability to move with or without the ball, attack the paint and hit shots from the perimeter make him a valuable asset to any college team.
And collectively, it’s helped him become one of the top prospects in the country and maintain that position for two years.
Langford recently discussed his thoughts on the University of North Carolina and his relationship with head coach Roy Williams:
"“I like the way North Carolina plays,” Langford told the Courier-Journal last month. “They play fast and get the ball up the court and shoot. I like Coach Williams and his coaching staff. He came to visit me three days after they won the national championship.”"
Langford averaged 28.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and more than two blocks per game in leading New Albany to a 25-4 record and an appearance in the regional final.
He currently holds offers from Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina and UCLA, among others.
It’s looking more and more like he may end up staying in the Midwest, though, given his level of interest in schools such as in-state powerhouse Indiana and Louisville.
Prediction: Louisville
Simisola Shittu is one of the newest editions to the Tar Heels’ list of 2018 targets. And unfortunately, North Carolina may have waited a little too long to get involved with this elite big man.
The 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward has quickly become one of the most sought after prospects in the country. His combination of size and strength, along with his ability to finish in the post, make him one of the best front court players in the class of 2018.
Shittu is the No. 7 player in the 2018 class according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the top power forward in the class and the No. 1 player in the state of Vermont.
He currently holds over 20 scholarship offers, and will certainly receive more in the coming months. As of now, he’s got offers from Arizona, Baylor, Connecticut, Louisville, North Carolina State, Syracuse, Texas, and UCLA, among others.
Although he’s still awaiting offers from Duke and Kentucky, it’s likely that both will play a part in his recruitment.
Prediction: Kentucky