UNC basketball targets rankings updated by 247Sports
Where do the UNC basketball targets In the class of 2023 rank in 247Sports’ latest ratings?
Although there are still plenty of high school basketball recruits from the class of 2022 that have yet to commit, the focus at this point seems to be shifting toward the class of 2023 and beyond.
The UNC basketball program has been very active on the recruiting trail, as new head coach Hubert Davis is looking to set his team up for success in the years to come.
As of October 20th, the Tar Heels have extended nine scholarship offers to student-athletes from the class of 2023. The recent commitment of Simeon Wilcher gives Davis and company their first player to add to this recruiting class.
In regards to how player ratings work, it’s very common to see players increase their value over time. A number of factors play into these rating adjustments, such as national exposure and interest from collegiate programs, as well as the student-athlete’s overall play — whether it be for their travel squad or high school team.
How have the current UNC basketball targets fared in the ratings? Let’s take a look at their initial rankings based on where they are currently placed.
*The rankings used for this article come from the 247Sports Composite. To view each player’s full rankings history, click on their name.*
Point Guards
Robert Dillingham
Initial Ranking: #11 (February 25, 2021)
Current Ranking: #8 (October 14, 2021)
Isaiah Collier
Initial Ranking: #14 (September 30, 2020)
Current Ranking: #19 (October 14, 2021)
London Johnson
Initial Ranking: #76 (July 16, 2021)
Current Ranking: #25 (October 14, 2021)
Overview: Out of this group, the player that seems to have drawn the most interest from the Tar Heels is Dillingham. However, with Wilcher’s commitment, there has been speculation as to how that may impact Dillingham’s decision, which could ultimately lead him to choose another program.
Johnson has had the biggest jump of the three, as he’s risen 51 spots in just a matter of three months. Given his quick rise up the recruiting ranks, we could see even more of a jump in the near future for the Norcross, Georgia native.
Combo Guards
Simeon Wilcher
Initial Ranking: #6 (September 30, 2020)
Current Ranking: #14 (October 14, 2021)
Overview: Since he broke onto 247Sports’ ranking boards, Wilcher has seen a decrease ever since. The Roselle, New Jersey native spent a good amount of time in the top 10 of his class, but has dipped into the top 15 in the time since.
Considering he just committed to North Carolina, I wouldn’t be overly concerned with his drop in the rankings. The junior combo guard will have a chance to move back up the boards once his high school season gets underway.
Small Forward
Mackenzie Mgbako
Initial Ranking: #11 (September 30, 2020)
Current Ranking: #3 (October 14, 2021)
J.J Taylor
Initial Ranking: #20 (September 30, 2020)
Current Ranking: #5 (October 14, 2021)
Matas Buzelis
Initial Ranking: #33 (July 16, 2021)
Current Ranking: #12 (October 14, 2021)
Overview: Mgbako seems to be the guy that the Tar Heels have the most interest in, but it appears as if their luck in recruiting some of New Jersey’s top talents may cease to continue. The Gladstone, New Jersey native has Crystal Ball predictions that are all currently in favor of the Duke Blue Devils.
Both Taylor and Buzelis have made significant jumps in the rankings over the last couple of months. Expect Davis and the Tar Heels to show more interest in Taylor if Mgbako does end up in Durham.
Power Forward
G.G. Jackson
Initial Ranking: 29 (February 25, 2021)
Current Ranking: 10 (October 14, 2021)
Overview: North Carolina has shown a lot of interest in Jackson, who’s stock has risen quickly in a span of just under eight months.
Jackson, who has cracked the top 10 in the class of 2023 rankings, is a player that Davis and staff would love to get to Chapel Hill. As his stock rises, interest should continue to pour in for the talented big man, but the Tar Heels may have an advantage given that they’ve been in the mix for quite some time now.
The rankings are certainly interesting to keep an eye on, as the stock of each individual student-athlete will change throughout the process. However, regardless of the rankings, the UNC basketball program views these players as potential fits in Chapel Hill, and will continue to try and convince them that North Carolina is the right place for them.
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