UNC Basketball: 5-star UNC target announces finalists

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on as they play against the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on as they play against the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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5-star UNC basketball target from the class of 2020 announced list of seven finalists on Saturday night

It was more good news for Roy Williams and the North Carolina basketball program when 5-star class of 2020 prospect Ziaire Williams named the Tar Heels to his list of seven finalists on Saturday night.

The 6-foot-9, 185-pound Williams had nearly 20 scholarship offers from the likes of Cal, Notre Dame, TCU, Virginia and Wisconsin, among others, but it was Arizona, Duke, North Carolina, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA and USC that made his list of seven finalists.

North Carolina and Stanford have long been thought of as favorites for Williams’ commitment. The Tar Heels’ Hall-of-Fame head coach battling his long-time former assistant-turned-head coach, Jerod Haase, has produced an interesting dynamic in the Williams recruitment.

Another team that has been getting a lot of buzz lately in the Williams recruitment is the Duke Blue Devils. It became more and more evident in recent weeks that they would play a part in his college decision. And now, just like in so many other instances, another top-10 recruiting battle could be won and lost on Tobacco Road between college basketball’s most storied rivals.

Known for his physicality and versatility on both ends of the floor, Williams has a terrific offensive game that helped him average better than 27 points per game on the Nike EYBL circuit this year. He’s got a nice jump shot with range beyond the three-point line. He’s more likely to knock down a jumper off a couple dribbles than taking it all the way to the goal, but he does have the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive the lane. Williams’ size and length will allow him to guard multiple positions on the floor, and play different roles on offense.

The Tar Heels, who were once heavily favored in Williams’ Crystal Ball, are now in a dead heat with Stanford. Both programs have 43 percent of votes from recruiting analysts and insiders on 247Sports, while Duke has the remaining 14 percent.

Williams is the No. 7 prospect in the class of 2020 according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the third-ranked small forward in his class, and No. 4 in the state of California.

Next. Lineup options for UNC in 2019-20. dark

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