UNC Basketball: Friday is decision day for 5-star power forward

5-star power forward, UNC basketball target set to announce college decision on Friday

Roy Williams and the North Carolina basketball program will be at attention on Friday when 5-star power forward Jabari Smith announces his college decision. News of Smith’s upcoming announcement came late Monday evening via Tipton Edits on Twitter.

In addition to the Tar Heels, Smith has a list of finalists that includes Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU and Tennessee. A consensus top-5 prospect from the class of 2021, Smith is a 6-foot-10, 210-pound standout at Sandy Creek High School In Tyrone, Georgia.

Smith is predominately a face-up four, utilizing a good jumper that extends out to the three-point line. Although he’s most comfortable in the mid-range, Smith is effective in the paint and on the low blocks, particularly when he uses his signature jump hook. He’s got improving athleticism, along with terrific height and wingspan, that help him create mismatches on the offensive end of the court. He’s a good rebounder and shot blocker, and a decent passer for his position. He runs the floor well, and has the ability to be a game-changer on the defensive end of the court, especially if he continues to add weight to his long, wiry frame.

Smith’s recruitment has been kept pretty quiet, and predictions on his future whereabouts reflect that. There isn’t a single Crystal Ball prediction for Smith to date, and just one Rivals FutureCast prediction in favor of the Georgia Bulldogs.

My prediction in September was that Smith would end up at Georgia, and I’ll stick with that for the time being. I wouldn’t be entirely shocked to see him end up at Auburn or Tennessee, though. If he were to land anywhere outside of the SEC, however, it would come as quite a surprise. In my mind, the Tar Heels are not in the best position to come out victorious in this one.

Smith is the No. 5 prospect in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s first among power forwards in the class, and No. 1 in the state of Georgia. He’s also ranked fifth in both the Rivals150, and the ESPN100.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for everything on the Jabari Smith recruitment, as well as all the latest on the UNC basketball program.