UNC Basketball: An offer from Tar Heels would change recruitment for this 5-star

The UNC Basketball program could shake things up in the recruitment for a five-star power forward if they extend an offer

With seven offers out in the 2021 recruiting class, the UNC Basketball recruiting board is starting to take shape.

Roy Williams and his staff have sent out nine total offers so far landing four-star power forward Dontrez Styles and being eliminated in the race for Paolo Banchero. As it stands now, there are the seven scholarship offers out to prospects but there are a few others they have their eye on.

Among them is five-star power forward Jabari Smith, a top five player in the 2021 recruiting class who is starting to get some interest from Blue Blood programs. Smith has a total of nine offers in his recruitment and so far, it appears as if three SEC programs in Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia are the favorites. 

But that could change if the Tar Heels get involved.

Rivals recruiting analyst Corey Evans broke down Smith’s recruitment on Tuesday in his mailbag and noted something interesting. While the Tar Heels haven’t offered just yet, a offer from Roy Williams could really change things:

"If there is one program that could change the complexion of his recruitment, it is North Carolina. It is a matter of when and not if the Tar Heels offer. When they do, the Tar Heels could rocket to the top of his list."

That’s an interesting note there from Evans.

We have known about the Tar Heels’ interest in Smith for the past few months but without an offer it was tough to tell where they stand. With those nine offers, most from SEC schools, the Tar Heels are in a position to shake things up and potentially steal Smith in the recruitment.

Now, they just have to extend an offer…

For more on Smith and other UNC Basketball recruiting targets, please check back with Keeping It Heel.