Top UNC Basketball recruiting target down to five finalists

Five-star Class of 2023 prospect Matas Buzelis has narrowed his recruitment to five programs. Is the UNC basketball program still in the mix?

With G.G. Jackson and Simeon Wilcher already in the mix, the UNC basketball recruiting Class of 2023 is already one of the best that the nation has to offer.

Jackson is considered the top player in his class by multiple recruiting websites, while Wilcher is a consensus top 20 player in the current junior class.

As good as this duo is, could it be getting even stronger in the near future?

On Thursday, five-star prospect Matas Buzelis announced his Top 5 finalists in his recruitment. To what shouldn’t be a surprise, the Tar Heels are still very much in the mix.

North Carolina, along with Florida State, Kentucky, and Wake Forest, are the four college programs that he is still considering. The Wolfeboro, New Hampshire native also has the NBA G-League as one of his final options as well.

In the most updated rankings, 247Sports tabs Buzelis as the No. 7 overall player in the Class of 2023 and the top player out of the state of New Hampshire. Based on his size and skillset, it shouldn’t be a shock that so many big-name programs have been in the mix for his services.

"At 6-10 has exceptional length for a highly developed skill set.Has a very thin build but can absorb contact. Is a smooth athlete with wiggle and capable of scoring around defenders. When not euro stepping to finish, prefers to finish off two feet. Shoots the ball well from outside but does have a low release at this point. Midrange scoring is an are for development where there is great potential. Handles the ball extremely well. Has a high dribble but it is on a string. Sees the floor and has feel for passing. Needs to gain strength as a rebounder but has a nose for the ball and has extremely sure hands. Lateral quickness can improve but has a feel for using his length as a defensive weapon. His competitive nature bodes well for his future development.-Jerry Meyer, Director of Basketball Scouting- 247Sports"

Jackson and Wilcher haven’t been shy to recruit Buzelis to Chapel Hill, as the five-star recruit has mentioned on multiple occasions that the future Tar Heel duo have been in constant contact with him throughout the process. It’s obvious that the duo is looking to become what should be viewed by many as an elite trio.

It’s good news for the Tar Heels that they are still alive in Buzelis’ recruitment, but it would be even better news if he ends up making his way to Chapel Hill.

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