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UNC Basketball: Vernon Carey Jr. says Roy Williams is making him a priority

By Zack Pearson

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 15: Vernon Carey Jr. #22 of University School dribbles in a game against Oak Hill Academy during the 2018 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena at Springfield College on January 15, 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 15: Vernon Carey Jr. #22 of University School dribbles in a game against Oak Hill Academy during the 2018 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena at Springfield College on January 15, 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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UNC head coach Roy Williams has made Vernon Carey Jr. a priority according to the recruit who is playing at the Nike Peach Jam

The University of North Carolina has their sights set on a few big recruits in the 2019 recruiting class including a few at the top of the list. UNC has shown significant interest in both Vernon Carey Jr. (No. 2), and Cole Anthony (No. 3) over the last several months.

Head coach Roy Williams is in South Carolina for the annual Nike Peach Jam event and has watched both Carey Jr. and Anthony thus far.

With Jeremiah Francis already signed, Williams would love to add a dominant post player or two and at least another athletic wing to his class. The Tar Heels will lose a lot following this season with Cam Johnson, Kenny Williams and Luke Maye all graduating. Five-star recruit Nassir Little is expected to stay just one year.

The 2019 class is looking like it will be a very important one for Williams and the Tar Heels as they hope to land a top talent.

One of those players could be Carey Jr. and it appears as if Williams is really making him a priority.

Following Thursday’s session, Carey Jr. caught up with Rivals reporter Krysten Peek to discuss his recruitment as the AAU season comes to an end. Carey Jr. currently has two official visits lined up as he plans to visit both Duke and Kentucky.

The Florida product does have UNC in his final five and is expected to take an official visit to Chapel Hill at some point.

McPeek asked Carey Jr. about each of his final five teams and where they stand currently with the top recruit. He revealed that Williams has made a serious effort to watch Carey Jr. as much as possible this weekend and the recruit saw that as a big positive.

"“Coach RoyWilliams told me he’s going to try to be at all my games here at Peach Jam so that means a lot. It shows that they’re making me a priority for the class.”"

The Blue Devils are considered the favorites according to the 247 Sports Crystal Ball with Michigan State and Miami behind them.  While UNC hasn’t been considered a strong option for Carey Jr., they might be picking up some steam quickly here.

Williams could decide to put the full-court press on Carey Jr. in hopes of swaying him to Chapel Hill.

As for the Peach Jam? Carey Jr. has been one of the standouts through the first three games as we hit the weekend sessions. Williams watched Carey Jr. open the tournament going up against fellow top player James Wiseman on Wednesday.

The Peach Jam continues Saturday with the championship game concluding the tournament on Sunday night.

Next: Roy Williams watches one of the top 2019 players

For more on Carey Jr. and other UNC recruiting targets, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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