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UNC Basketball: In-state 2021 forward reopens recruitment

By Zack Pearson

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 06: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a play during the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Dean E. Smith Center on March 06, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 06: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a play during the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Dean E. Smith Center on March 06, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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The UNC Basketball program saw their season end in disappointing fashion to Wisconsin in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. From here, there will be a lot of uncertainty in what is expected to be a very active transfer portal in the offseason.

As UNC heads into this offseason, a few seniors are expected to leave while other players could transfer. UNC will also welcome in a two-man recruiting class for 2021 with four-star recruits D’Marco Dunn and Dontrez Styles coming into Chapel Hill.

But could UNC add another recruit?

With Patrick Baldwin, Chet Holmgren and Hunter Sallis likely going elsewhere, the options are limited for Roy Williams and his staff. However, a recruiting target just potentially became available this weekend.

Three-star power forward Eric Van Der Heijden announced he was reopening his recruitment this weekend following the news of Louisville not retaining a few key assistants. While Chris Mack will return, the program announced that assistant coach Dino Gaudio, who led the recruitment of Van Der Heijden, would not return. Shortly after, the recruit announced his decision to reopen his recruitment. 

The Raleigh, North Carolina native never received an offer from the Tar Heels but he did visit Chapel Hill for a game back in January of 2020 with recruit Will Felton. Despite not receiving an offer, UNC did show some interest in him as Hubert Davis went to watch him prior to his visit to Chapel Hill as well.

It’s hard to tell right now if there will be any interest in Van Der Heijden and Williams may have to wait until he has decisions from current players on the roster to pursue him. It’s going to be an interesting offseason in terms of not only those decisions but when they come as it could have a big domino effect.

The 6-foot-9 forward would be an intriguing recruit to pursue but as of now, it’s going to be a wait and see game for him. We do expect some ACC programs to show interest.

Next. Will Garrison Brooks return to UNC?. dark

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