UNC Basketball: ESPN releases final 2023 recruiting rankings

ESPN released its final rankings for the 2023 recruiting class. Where do the UNC basketball commits and recruiting class rank?

The Class of 2023 is almost ready to head to college, as ESPN released its final player and team rankings for this respective recruiting class.

Both of the UNC basketball program’s 2023 commits made ESPN’s top 100 rankings. Roselle Catholic guard Simeon Wilcher was ranked as the No. 27 overall player in the class, while big man Zayden High came in at No. 75 on the list.

Even with just two commitments in this respective class (while also losing a commitment from G.G. Jackson), North Carolina still was viewed as a top-25 recruiting class in the final team rankings:

Here’s an explanation from Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi as to why the Tar Heels are considered to have the No. 24 overall recruiting class:

"Carolina had some misfortune in the 2023 class when elite prospect G.G. Jackson decommitted and ultimately wound up in the 2022 class with South Carolina. But Hubert Davis has a very good duo lined up at this stage. Five-star guard Wilcher has been in the fold for more than a year. He’s an excellent offensive player, capable of playing either guard spot and showing high-level ability as a scorer and creator. ESPN 100 forward Zayden High was a stock-riser during the spring and summer, bursting onto the scene during the April Nike EYBL sessions. High is an intriguing offensive piece given his ability to score inside but also stretch the floor with his shooting ability."

The hope is that the incoming freshmen are able to help the UNC basketball program right away as they look to rewrite the script coming off a disappointing 2022-2023 season.

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