UNC Basketball: Will this five-star guard announce in August?

A UNC Basketball recruiting target could make his decision in August but there is a key factor weighing in on the decision

Things have been relatively quiet for the UNC Basketball program in terms of recruiting since the end of March when the NCAA imposed a dead period, not allowing any recruits or coaches to travel for visits.

UNC did receive a commitment from four-star power forward Dontrez Styles back in April, giving them their first commitment in 2021 as they come off a Top 2 class in 2020. But outside of Styles, UNC hasn’t added another player yet.

Roy Williams and his staff have eight offers out to recruits in the 2021 class including a few big five-star recruits. Among them is five-star point guard Kennedy Chandler, one of the top rated recruits in the class.

Chandler is ranked No. 11 overall, No. 1 at point guard and No. 1 in the state of Kansas by 247 Sports Composite rankings. Back in April Chandler announced his Top 5 of North Carolina, Tennessee, Duke, Kentucky and Memphis. While Tennessee might be the favorites according to some, are we close to a commitment for Chandler?

In Corey Evans’ Wednesday Mailbag on Rivals, the recruiting analyst broke down Chandler’s recruitment and where he stands now. In writing on Chandler, Evans hinted that we could see an announcement in August but Chandler does want to visit some schools before making that decision:

"The talk in recent weeks is that Chandler is close to committing, and if that is the case it would be to Tennessee. Speaking with various coaching staffs that have been in the running for Chandler, they expect him to end up in Knoxville – and some are waving the white flag to an extent.However, there is also the thought that Chandler would like to visit all five of his finalists one more time before committing. That is easier said than done in light of the current restrictions on official visits, which could be prolonged well past the Aug. 31. Maybe Chandler does hold off, but whether it is August or November or February, chances are he will end up playing for Rick Barnes a year from now."

If Chandler does commit in August, it has to favor Tennessee. But if he does hold off on a commitment and pushes it out while waiting to visit, it could work in the favor of a program like the Tar Heels.

It’s unknown how long this recruiting dead period will last, as it’s extended until at least the end of August, but if it does end before Winter then the Tar Heels could get Chandler on campus for a visit. Chandler’s recruitment is still one to watch for the Tar Heels as they continue to pursue the talented point guard.

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