UNC Basketball: 4-star center Hunter Dickinson talks recruiting, Tar Heels

4-star UNC basketball target talks recruiting, finalists and timetable for a decision

When Hunter Dickinson announced his list of seven finalists last week, it was good news for a North Carolina team that’s looking to beef up its front court in 2020 and beyond.

There’s no doubt that the 7-foot-2, 255-pound big man would add depth and talent to a UNC front court that could easily be one of the best in college basketball next year. The Tar Heels are likely to have a senior Garrison Brooks teamed up with second-year big man Armando Bacot, and 5-star freshman center Day’Ron Sharpe.

Adding Dickinson, a rising senior that’s nearing 5-star status, would make for an embarrassment of wealth in Chapel Hill. It would give North Carolina the tallest player in the 2020 class, and one that could come in and make an impact immediately. It would also allow Roy Williams and company to put two traditional bigs out on the court at all times, and keep his front court well-rested.

Dickinson sat down with Adam Zagoria on Tuesday to discuss his recruitment, the programs he listed in his top-7 — Florida State, Louisville, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Providence and Purdue — and the current timetable he’s working with.

"“I definitely want to use at least four of my visits, and I’ll probably use all five,” Dickinson said. “I would hope to come up with a decision after that. If it takes longer, I’m not really rushing anything.”"

Dickinson, the No. 30 prospect in the class of 2020 according to the 247Sports Composite, told Zagoria that there are three factors that will greatly impact his decision.

"“My relationship with the head coach will be one, if not the most important factor. I have to be able to trust him with everything, my whole future and playing career. That is number one,” Dickinson continued. “Two, I’m looking at whether they’ve had success developing big men, getting them better and their pedigree of getting big men to the NBA. Three, I’m looking at academics and playing time. Both of them are one and the same for me. Those are the main things.”"

Dickinson took official visits to Notre Dame, Purdue, Providence and Louisville during his junior season, but my guess is that he’ll end up in Chapel Hill for a visit at some point this year. He had good things to say about Williams and the Tar Heels, and noted the relationship he already has with incoming freshmen Cole Anthony and Armando Bacot.

"“Roy Williams is known for playing a lot of big men and having success with big men. That’s something that has interested me. I’m excited to go down there, see the campus and hang out with Armando[Bacot], Cole [Anthony] and those guys.”"

Along with being a massive body in the painted area, Dickinson has a nice offensive game that includes a smooth left-handed hook shot and a solid mid-range jumper. He’s not a terrific athlete or exceptionally fast, but he can get up and down the court well enough, and will be effective in half court sets.

A real throw-back to the big men of years past, Dickinson will be a high-percentage shooter in the low-post, where he takes the majority of his shots. And he’ll get his hands on a lot of rebounds, as well as blocking some shots on the defensive end of the floor. He’s also a capable passer, and has a really good feel for the game.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on the Hunter Dickinson recruitment, and everything UNC basketball.