UNC Basketball: Tar Heels still showing interest in 2023 recruit

The UNC Basketball program is keeping tabs on a three-star forward in the 2023 recruiting class out of South Carolina

As the 2020-21 UNC Basketball season continues on with a few twists and turns including scheduling, the recruiting cycle is still ongoing for future classes.

The NCAA still has their dead period extended until April, not allowing coaches or recruits to travel for visits. The two sides are still able to meet through Zoom but it’s just not the same. That hasn’t stopped them from reaching out to recruits as Roy Williams and his staff want to build and make sure the program is in good hands down the line.

One recruit that they have their eyes on in the 2023 class is power forward Brandon Gardner, a three-star recruit from Columbia, South Carolina that is starting to get a lot of interest from programs.

Gardner recently talked to Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers about his recruitment and while he only has 10 offers, some big programs like UNC, Kentucky, and Kansas are interested and have been in contact. Here is what Gardner told Weingarten earlier in the week:

"Which programs have extended you a scholarship offer?“Illinois, Wake Forest, Wichita State, SC State, Ole Miss, USC Upstate, Winthrop, Clemson, DePaul, and Georgetown.”How about interest?“Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas.”"

The Tar Heels are a team that has yet to offer Gardner but it’s good news they are showing interest this early. Despite being a three-star recruit in the 247 Sports rankings, Gardner is ranked No. 42 early on in the 2023 class. He’s improved in his first two years of high school ball and should start to climb the rankings.

With 2023 being far out in terms of that class making an impact, it’s still good to know that the Tar Heels are reaching out to recruits for early interest. However, it does sound like Illinois might be the team to beat in this recruitment as he spoke highly on them. One thing that could change that is an offer from a Blue Blood like North Carolina as we have seen it happen in other recruitments before.

There’s a long way to go in Gardner’s recruitment and this will be one to watch down the line.

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