UNC Basketball: Does Cole Anthony commitment impact Anthony Harris?

Is 4-star point guard Anthony Harris’ decision impacted by Cole Anthony’s recent commitment to the UNC basketball program?

On Tuesday morning, 5-star class of 2019 prospect Cole Anthony announced his commitment to the University of North Carolina, putting an end to one of the most heated and highly anticipated recruitments in college basketball over the past year.

The Tar Heels’ 2019 recruiting class ranking moved up from 50th to 14th with their latest commitment — that according to the 247Sports team rankings — showing the substantial impact of the top-5 recruit’s pledge to UNC.

What some are questioning, though, is the impact that Anthony’s commitment might have on current UNC target and 4-star point guard Anthony Harris, a former Virginia Tech commit that reopened his recruitment upon the departure of head coach Buzz Williams.

Rivals recruiting analyst Corey Evans touched on that topic prior to the Anthony commitment, stating that he doesn’t believe the decision of one would impact the other.

"“I don’t think Cole Anthony’s pending commitment to North Carolina impacts Anthony Harrismuch,” Evans said. “The 4-star guard has always played alongside tremendous talent at the point guard position in high school and on the travel circuit, and his situation with the Tar Heels wouldn’t be any different. Plus, don’t forget North Carolina is losing not just Coby White, but also Kenny Williams this spring.In their places, the Tar Heels would enroll Anthony, if he does commit, and Jeremiah Francis, though the latter continues to work back from an injury,” Evans continued. “There are no clear-cut replacements for Williams returning and seeing that Harris is not known for being ball dependent, he would be a match on the floor alongside Anthony.My gut says Harris will end up at North Carolina thanks to the draw of staying close to home and playing in the ACC.”"

That all comes across as good news for the Tar Heels, their coaching staff and fans given the feeling of discomfort and uncertainty that many began to feel after UNC freshmen Coby White and Nassir Little announced their intentions to leave North Carolina for the NBA after just one season. Add to that the departure of senior starters Luke Maye, Kenny Williams and Cameron Johnson, and the Tar Heels had as many holes in next year’s roster as they have at any point in the Roy Williams era.

The addition of Anthony helps, but a Harris commitment, as well as a possible pledge from Charleston Southern graduate transfer Christian Keeling, could put the UNC basketball program in a pretty nice position when the season begins in early November.

Harris is currently on his official visit to North Carolina, spending both Monday and Tuesday in Chapel Hill after spending the weekend in Bloomington, Indiana with Archie Miller and the Hoosiers. UNC and Indiana are considered the favorites to receive Harris’ commitment, which is expected to take place some time in the next couple of weeks.

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Harris is currently a senior at Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia. He’s the No. 65 overall prospect in the class of 2019 according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s a top-10 player at his position, and the fourth-ranked recruit from the state of Virginia.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on the Anthony Harris recruitment, and all things North Carolina basketball.