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UNC Basketball: Vernon Carey Jr.’s split decision

By Davis Wallace

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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Five-star recruit Vernon Carey Jr. is set to make his decision on Thursday and is reportedly split between Duke and Michigan State.

On Thursday, one of the top recruits in the 2019 recruiting class will make his decision on where he will be playing basketball next Fall.

Vernon Carey Jr. recently trimmed his list from five down to three with North Carolina, Duke and Michigan State making the cut. It was the latest update to his recruitment and came much to the surprise of UNC fans.

While the Tar Heels are still in the running, a report out this week suggested that Carey Jr. was split between Duke and Michigan State and that his decision will likely come down the wire.

Adam Zagoria wrote on Carey Jr.’s decision, pointing out that it could go either way:

"The 6-foot-10 Carey, out NSU University School (FL) and Nike Team Florida, is set to announce Thursday, with one source close to the recruitment saying Carey is “really torn” and it’s going to be a “photo finish” between Duke and Michigan State. Carey is ranked No. 3 in the 2019 ESPN 100. He recently cut Miami and Kentucky from his list, and North Carolina technically remains part of his current list."

The feeling is that Duke is the favorite, then Michigan State with an outside chance of him ending up at Chapel Hill. The 247Sports Crystal Ball predicts that Carey Jr. has a 76% chance to end up in Durham next season, with lead expert Evan Daniels making a prediction for the Blue Devils.

What does this mean for UNC moving forward? Well, there’s no need to panic because the Tar Heels are bringing in Armando Bacot and Jeremiah Francis next season.

They are also a potential landing spot for top combo guard, Cole Anthony. This wouldn’t be considered a rebuild if they do add Anthony to their class that already features the five-star Bacot in it.  Both would be ready to enter the starting line-up the minute they step on campus.

Bacot is a polished big man that can fill the void Luke Maye will leave behind. Garrison Brooks and Sterling Manley will be able to work off Bacot’s skill set.

Some are expecting Coby White to return for his sophomore year, so White can move over to the shooting guard and have Anthony run the point or vice versa.

If White declares for the NBA, Anthony can run the show with Seventh Woods has his wingman.

UNC fans will be frustrated if coach Krzyzewski is able to swipe another five-star recruit from coach Williams yet again.

However, it will be quite alright. In recent years coach Williams whiffed on Andrew Wiggins, Jaylen Brown, Brandon Ingram, and Harry Giles.

He adjusted accordingly and was able to make deep tournament runs two out of the past three seasons. In fact, last season was the only season in the past four years that Duke went further in the NCAA Tournament than UNC.

For more on UNC Basketball recruiting, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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