Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Tar Heels’ 2021 recruiting class could look a lot like this

By Blake Cockrum

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels watches his team play against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 16, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels watches his team play against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 16, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – FEBRUARY 19: Head Coach Tom Crean of the Georgia Bulldogs looks on during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Jabari Smith

Jabari Smith is one of the most talented prospects in the class of 2021, so it makes you wonder why Roy Williams and company waited so long to get involved in his recruitment. He’s holding around a dozen scholarship offers, most of which came prior to the NCAA recruiting freeze brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. It wasn’t until months later, late August to be more precise, that the Tar Heels officially extended an offer to Smith. That difference in time between the Tar Heels and their competition could end up being one of the deciding factors in Smith’s recruitment.

Although the Tar Heels are still squarely involved in Smith’s recruitment, and there appears to be plenty of time left before a final decision is made, their chances for a commitment from the 5-star big man don’t seem great. That notion was highlighted in a recent piece from Rivals’ Dan McDonald in which the national recruiting analyst states that the Tar Heels are likely on the outside looking in.

"“Jabari Smith’s recruitment has been pretty steady for the past several months, with the exception of North Carolina coming into the mix with a scholarship offer,” McDonald writes. “Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee have been the most consistent in their pursuit of the five-star forward out of the Peach State. On Wednesday afternoon, I put in my Rivals FutureCast pick for Georgia to land Smith. Over the past month or so, I’ve started to hear more and more about the Bulldogs making a big impression on the No. 4 prospect in the 2021 class. He’s built a really strong relationship with Tom Crean, and the idea of staying close to home could play in Georgia’s favor. I still think there is time for things to change, especially with elite recruiters like Will Wade, Bruce Pearl and Rick Barnes involved, but I like the Bulldogs to win this one.”"

Smith is predominately a face-up four, but is still effective in the paint and on the low blocks where he utilizes his signature jump hook. Despite his ability to play in the post, though, Smith is more comfortable using his mid-range game to knock down jumpers out to the perimeter. His athleticism is improving, and he’s a decent passer for his position. He’s a good rebounder and shot blocker, and runs the floor well. He has the ability to be a game-changer on the defensive end of the court, particularly if he continues to add weight to his long, wiry frame.

Smith is the No. 5 prospect in the class of 2021 according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s first among power forwards in the class, and No. 1 in the state of Georgia.

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