UNC Basketball: Tar Heels offer five-star small forward

The UNC basketball program is targeting one of the top small forward prospects in the class of 2022.

The North Carolina men’s basketball program has extended a scholarship offer to Jarace Walker, a five-star small forward in the class of 2022. The news of the Tar Heels’ offer was first reported by Tipton Edits via Instagram.

According to 247 Sports, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing currently ranks as the the No. 3 overall small forward in the country, and the No. 4-ranked player in the state of Florida.

Walker, a Bradenton, Florida native, currently plays his high school basketball at IMG Academy. The Ascenders (the school’s nickname) feature a ton of talent in the class of 2022, as they currently have four of the top 10 players from the state of Florida.

Roy Williams and his staff have shown interest in a few of IMG Academy’s standout players over the past few months. Prior to making an offer to Walker, the Tar Heels extended an offer to his teammate, Jaden Bradley, back in March. Bradley is considered to be the top point guard in the 2022 class and the second-best prospect in Florida, according to 247 Composite Rankings.

Here’s what National Basketball Analyst Brian Snow had to say about Walker:

"“A unique and versatile prospect. Is 6-foot-6 and around 225 pounds, and looks far more advanced physically than most players his age. Has an elite talent level. A physical and skilled wing, Has the ability to score the ball at a high-level going to the rim. One of the best things that he does is attack the rim off the dribble and make a good pass to a teammate. Even though he isn’t a point guard, Williams has good floor vision and a solid basketball IQ. Given his strength and physique, he also is a good rebounder and should be a strong defender in time.”"

Given the Tar Heels recent need for additional depth at the wing position, adding a player of Walker’s caliber could definitely help the Tar Heels in the future. Walker has a handful of offers on the table already, but it is very likely that his recruitment will start to heat up over the next few months.

Maybe Williams and his staff can lure both Walker and Bradley to Chapel Hill. A very talented point guard/small forward combo would be a very nice addition for the Tar Heels’ 2022 recruiting class.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the North Carolina men’s basketball program and their recruiting process.