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

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Jerod Haase of the UAB Blazers and head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels talk before their game at the Dean Smith Center on December 27, 2014 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 89-58. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Harrison Ingram

Similar to Patrick Baldwin, Jr., Harrison Ingram is an elite small forward that Roy Williams and the Tar Heels would love to add to their 2021 recruiting class. Ingram is not only one of the best small forwards in the class of 2021, but one of the top players in the nation regardless of position. A commitment from Ingram would certainly end the program’s recent drought with 5-star wings.

A 6-foot-7, 210-pound senior from St. Mark’s High School, Ingram announced a list of 10 finalists in mid-May that included Arkansas, Baylor, Louisville, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue, Stanford, Tennessee and Texas A&M. He cut his list again just a couple of months later, eliminating six of the previous schools, and adding two new finalists. For the time being, it’s Harvard, Howard, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue and Stanford that are vying for a commitment from the rising senior forward.

https://twitter.com/Harrisoniingram/status/1289594108755898368

Purdue and Stanford seem to be the prohibitive favorites for Ingram, and that’s been the case for quite some time. An exact timeline for Ingram’s final decision is unknown, but his recruitment appears to be moving along rather quickly. My guess is that Ingram will make one more round of cuts before making his announcement. That may require some official visits, though, and there’s no telling how long it’ll be before the NCAA’s recruiting freeze is over.

Ingram is a versatile wing with the ability to play multiple positions at the collegiate level. He’s got great size and strength for his position, and creates mismatches for the opposition. He’s a good ball-handler, distributor and rebounder, as well as an above-average defender. While he is a good jump shooter, he’s got a low release on the ball that he’s still working to improve. And although he may not be the most athletic guy on the court, he’s got the ability to throw down a powerful dunk from time to time.

Ingram is ranked 10th in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s a top-5 player at his position, and first in the state of Texas. He’s ranked 16th in the ESPN100, and eighth in the Rivals150.

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