UNC Basketball: Precious Achiuwa to UNC? Not according to this analyst.

Tar Heels are looking for front court help, but may not get it from this 5-star big man

The North Carolina Tar Heels are looking for size and talent to insert into their smaller-than-average front court, but may be looking in the wrong place with class of 2019 five-star big man Precious Achiuwa.

According to Rivals recruiting analyst Corey Evans, North Carolina is a long-shot, at best, for the 6-foot-9, 215-pound small forward out of Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida.

"“North Carolina would love to add someone like Precious Achiuwa, a five-star forward and one of the top available prospects this winter, but I do not see it in the cards,” Evans said. “The Tar Heels jumped into the picture last week with an offer and the promising part for UNC is that he has yet to take an official visit throughout the process and a cut list has not been produced.”"

Evans went on to mention some of the schools that have been giving Achiuwa the most attention including Connecticut, Kansas, Memphis, St. John’s and Western Kentucky. Florida State and UCLA have also been heavily involved in his recruitment to this point.

Connecticut has long been considered the favorite for Achiuwa, and remains that way according to 62 percent of Crystal Ball predictions from experts on 247Sports. Memphis, St. John’s and Syracuse have also received votes, and each account for 12 percent of the overall vote.

"“UCLA was a prominent program to watch, but with the coaching change in Westwood, it could give UNC one less program to beat,” Evans said. “There is still much more time to go before Achiuwa even comes near committing, so the Tar Heels have some room to make their move, but I would still give their chances with him at less than 20 percent with where things currently sit.”"

Known for his tremendous athleticism, Achiuwa has great size and strength, particularly for his position. He’s a good ball-handler, a great dunker, and a good shooter from all over the court. He’s also capable of guarding multiple positions, and blocks a lot of shots for a player his size.

There’s no doubt that a player of Achiuwa’s caliber — added to five-star center Armando Bacot and current UNC sophomores Garrison Brooks and Sterling Manley — would make the Tar Heels’ front court one of the best in the ACC next season. Unfortunately, though, the Tar Heels may have to rely on a freshman big man, and the continued development of players already on the roster.

Achiuwa is the No. 9 prospect in the 2019 class according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the second-ranked player at his position, and the No. 2 prospect from the state of New York.

Stick with Keeping It Heel in the coming months for any developments with Achiuwa as the Tar Heels attempt bolster their 2019 recruiting class.