UNC Basketball: New 2023 target called ‘best kept secret’

It may not be long before this 2022 UNC basketball target’s recruitment starts to officially heat up.

On June 21, the UNC basketball program extended an offer to 2022 4-star small forward Cam Whitmore. The Severn, Maryland native is currently ranked as the No. 111 prospect in the class of 2022 according to 247 Sports Composite.

Although he is not currently viewed a top-100 player in his graduating class, there is some speculation that his ranking and recruitment could drastically change in the near future.

Over the past weekend, Whitmore was one of many highly-touted basketball players to compete in the DMV Live II event. After having the opportunity to watch him live in Hyattsville, Maryland, Travis Branham of 247Sports made a very bold statement about the rising senior.

"“Cam Whitmore was the best kept secret in the country. . .”"

Branham believes that the secret of Whitmore is about to get out. Here is Brahman’s in-depth statement regarding what he saw while watching Whitmore compete in the event:

"“Whitmore is a mismatch nightmare for the opposition standing pushing 6-foot-7, 215-pounds for a versatile forward. While he does not have outstanding size or length for the position, he does have outstanding strength, power and explosive athleticism and coupled with his high motor, he plays much bigger than he is.Given that combination of strength, power, athleticism and motor, Whitmore makes more for a small ball four given his ability to defend that position at a high level, can switch on the perimeter and gives another perimeter weapon on the offensive end who can also be utilized in pick-and-pop situations and he has the skills to do those things.Whitmore has impressive ball skills and when matched up across another big, he can blow by them and if they back off to respect the drive he can also knock down jumpers off the catch. With his aggressive and powerful ability to attack the rim, he puts pressure on the defense, drawing help where he can then utilize his passing ability to make plays for his teammates.Defensively, as stated above, he is versatile and defends multiple positions but he also has terrific instincts on this end as well on the glass.”"

With more performances like the one he put together at the DMV Live II event, it’s certain that Whitmore’s rankings will continue to rise. Based on recent information, you could make the case that Whitmore’s recruitment has already began picking up some steam.

Prior to landing an offer from the the Tar Heels, the 6-foot-7-inch forward picked up two significant offers over a 48-hour span. The first came from the Alabama Crimson Tide on June 19, while the Louisville Cardinals made their official offer the very next day.

It may not be long before more top programs start jumping into the mix for Whitmore, and we’ll have to wait and see just where the Tar Heels factor in to that in regards to his overall recruitment.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Cam Whitmore recruitment, and the UNC basketball program.