UNC Basketball: Top transfer leaning towards Tar Heels?

With his commitment date nearing, are the Tar Heels the favorite for this top transfer prospect?

Just three days after receiving an official offer from the UNC basketball program, Creighton forward Christian Bishop announced the top three schools that he is considering transferring to. Could the recent offer from Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels have swayed Bishop’s upcoming decision?

On his Instagram story Thursday evening, Bishop included the Tar Heels as one of his three finalists. North Carolina joins Kansas and Texas as the remaining schools in the mix.

https://twitter.com/mjdemarinis/status/1382862653396283393

Recently, the Keeping It Heel team discussed whether or not the Tar Heels should pursue Bishop. When Bishop entered the transfer portal, the Tar Heels were still looking to replace Roy Williams as the head coach, so there was some uncertainty as to whether or not the new head coach would be interested. Now, with Hubert Davis at the helm, it appears that the Tar Heels are all-in on trying to land Bishop.

Used mostly as an undersized center, Bishop thrived in that role for the Blue Jays, and could be used on the wing as well as down low for a Tar Heels team that could desperately use some front court depth.

With his recruitment down to just three contenders, how good are the Tar Heels’ chances of getting a commitment from Bishop this weekend? At this point, you’d have to think the chances are pretty good for Hubert Davis and Tar Heels.

For starters, it’s good that Bishop’s recruitment lingered until the Tar Heels got their coaching situation figured out. With the current state of the NCAA transfer portal, some players are quickly moving off the board (look at Garrison Brooks, who took just five days to find a new home).

Additionally, Bishop was quick to name his finalists after receiving his offer from North Carolina. Not even 72 hours later, Bishop announced that he would make a decision this upcoming weekend. Did the possibility of playing in Chapel Hill entice him enough to quickly make the transfer decision?

With the current state of the Tar Heels’ roster, there’s a possibility that Bishop could be thrust into  a major role right away. He could definitely see starter’s minutes, and will undoubtedly be a factor on the wing and down low. His ability to rebound could be a crucial addition to the Tar Heels, as they will look to replace the production of guys like Brooks, Day’Ron Sharpe and Walker Kessler.

If he’s looking for a place to make a major impact right away, North Carolina offers him the best opportunity.

Based on what we know, there’s a strong possibility that Bishop will land in Chapel Hill. There’s no Crystal Ball predictions at this point, but considering the recent developments, you’d have to think that the Tar Heels may have an advantage in his recruitment.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for the latest news and updates on Christian Bishop and the UNC basketball program.