UNC Basketball: Status of two 2021 recruits after Roy Williams retirement

The college basketball world was rocked on Thursday morning when UNC Basketball head coach Roy Williams surprisingly announced he would retire. It came as a shock to all of us that not only follow the Tar Heels but college basketball as well.

Coming off a disappointing 2019-20 season, Williams was able to lead the Tar Heels back to the NCAA Tournament this season, a year that was unlike any other as teams had to deal with COVID-19 issues all year. The season ended in disappointment, losing to North Carolina in the first round giving Williams his first loss in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament ever.

But with where the program is at right now, future recruiting classes are going to be what decides the direction this program goes and that starts with 2021.

The Tar Heels have two recruits currently signed in the 2021 class, landing commitments from Dontrez Styles and D’Marco Dunn. Both pledged their verbal and signed in 2020 but with Williams retiring, they can receive a special exception to seek other opportunities.

As of right now, this doesn’t change anything for Dunn as Jonas Pope talked to the recruit this morning fresh off the news:

There hasn’t been any word on Styles, but remember, this news is still fresh so that’s neither a good or bad thing in his case. As the hours go on, I’m sure there will be something in regards to Styles and I imagine it will be good news for UNC fans.

As for the future classes, this does change a lot.

I’m positive Roy at least gave recruits he’s pursuing a heads up which indicates there is a plan in place for someone to take over. I can’t see a scenario where he wouldn’t tell recruits he’s actively pursuing about the news.

For more on the UNC Basketball program and future recruiting classes, please check back with Keeping It Heel.