UNC Basketball: Here’s who the Tar Heels will have to beat for Greg Brown

This is the team that Roy Williams and the UNC basketball program will have to beat out for 5-star power forward Greg Brown

The North Carolina Tar Heels are involved in a number of heated recruiting battles for class of 2020 prospects, but perhaps none more than 5-star power forward Greg Brown.

Brown, a 6-foot-9, 195-pound prospect out of Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, is widely considered the top power forward in his class, and already holds scholarship offers from more than a dozen schools. Auburn, Baylor, Kansas, LSU, Memphis, North Carolina, Texas A&M and UCLA are among the programs who have already offered Brown, but that list will continue to grow up until the time of his commitment — one that we anticipate coming some time late this year.

And despite not having extended an offer yet, Kentucky and Texas are expected to play a role in Brown’s recruitment, too. Texas, in particular, appears to be a program with a lot to offer Brown, and one that may be too difficult for him to turn down.

According to Rivals recruiting analyst Corey Evans, Brown’s relationship with Texas head coach Shaka Smart, as well as his close approximately to the school, are what will ultimately lead him to a commitment to the Longhorns.

"“. . . Brown will more than likely cut his list after his travel season completes and then make his college commitment later in the fall or early winter,” Evans said. “UNC is also heavily in the mix but if all goes right in Austin over the next few months, Texas would have to be my pick for where he lands. Keep an eye on Auburn, Baylor and Memphis, too, but Shaka Smart’s relationship with him and his family and Brown’s close proximity to campus might be too difficult to overcome.”"

Brown visited the University of North Carolina in March, and later raved about his time spent in Chapel Hill. Shortly after, he began talking about a return trip to the school, saying “probably some time this summer I’ll go to UNC”. It was that talk of a second visit to UNC which led many to believe that the Tar Heels were a strong competitor in his recruitment.

"“It was a great experience and great game,” Brown told Rivals. “Talking to all of the coaches was great and even the players were good. So, everything about it was just great. The culture there is just different. Around Texas, it is like a football state but at UNC, they eat and breathe basketball.”"

Brown plans to cut his list to around seven teams by June or July, and hopes to make a decision by the time his senior season begins later this year. Expect North Carolina and Texas to be among the teams on his condensed list, and don’t be shocked if he ends up in Austin or Chapel Hill next year.

Brown is the No. 5 prospect in the class of 2020 according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the top power forward in the class, and the No. 1 player in the state of Texas.

Check back with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on the Greg Brown recruitment, and everything North Carolina basketball.