UNC Basketball: Analyst Makes Chet Holmgren Prediction

One analyst believes that the UNC Basketball program is falling behind in their pursuit of this five-star recruit.

With only one current commitment to the 2021 recruiting class, the UNC Basketball program has been actively working to add more talent to the mix.

Currently, North Carolina has extended eight scholarship offers to potential high school prospects in the 2021 recruiting class. After an impressive 2020 class that brought in six commitments, the Tar Heels need to add another strong recruiting class to help build for the future.

In terms of recruiting news, this week hasn’t been too promising for North Carolina.

Rivals recruiting analyst Corey Evans was asked about the status of two very talented five-star recruits. According to Evans, he doesn’t see either player making their way to Chapel Hill next season.

First, Evans predicted that the Tar Heels won’t land Harrison Ingram, a player the program has coveted for a while.

The other player that Evans discussed was Chet Holmgren, the seven-foot center from Minnesota that 247 Sports currently ranks as the second-best player in the Class of 2021.

Holmgren is a unique player that possesses skills that normal seven-footers usually don’t have. His combination of size and skill set have earned him numerous scholarship offers from schools around the country.

The Tar Heels extended an offer to Holmgren in January, and were listed among his final seven schools.

North Carolina seems to be very interested in Holmgren, as his skills would fit very nicely in Roy Williams’ overall scheme. However, Evans believes that Holmgren will ultimately end up in the West Coast Conference:

"Sorry to tell you but I am going to go with Gonzaga. I don’t see them striking out on both Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren and with the latter having a greater connection to the program in good friend and former school and travel teammate, Jalen Suggs, Mark Few has some things working in his favor. Throw in that Holmgren has already visited officially and the Zags have a leg up compared to others.I don’t foresee an early commitment and there is still some time for the others to make up ground. Memphis and its pro-style offense have intrigued Holmgren, while North Carolina has done the same. Don’t discount Minnesota either, and while the Gophers have had issues keeping the best in the state, Holmgren’s mom worked for the school and his dad played there."

Yes, Evans’ early prediction isn’t ideal, but there is still time for things to change.

The recruiting process during this time is very different from the norm. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools do not have the ability to recruit the way that they are accustomed to.

Holmgren has only made two official visits at this point: Gonzaga and Ohio State. When he was interviewed by Stock Risers a few weeks ago, Holmgren stated that he is hoping to make more official visits before committing. He also announced that he hopes to commit around early spring of 2021.

This news could bode well for the Tar Heels. Given that he is in no rush to commit, the Tar Heels may have the opportunity to get him on campus. If they get Holmgren on campus, there is a good possibility that the Tar Heels odds improve to land a commitment from him.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for more news and updates regarding UNC Basketball recruiting.