UNC Basketball: Was Matas Buzelis almost a Tar Heel?

According to a recent appearance on JJ Redick’s podcast, former UNC basketball target Matas Buzelis talked about his “top schools.”

Oh, what could’ve possibly been.

Matas Buzelis was one of the top recruits in the Class of 2023. The Wichita, Kansas native finished as 247Sports Composite’s No. 5 overall player, as he elected to take the professional route instead of being a likely “one-and-done” at the college level.

Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program were heavily recruiting the 6-foot-9 forward, and based on recent comments, it appears that they were one of the frontrunners if he did decide to go the college route.

Buzelis made an appearance on JJ Redick’s podcast, “The Old Man & the Three,” where the former Duke star asked what school he would’ve attended. Here’s what the McDonald’s All-American had to say:

"I got three that were really hard for me to pick. It’s so difficult. I’d say Wake Forest, Florida State or UNC.”"

Of course, Buzelis’ answer didn’t sit well with Redick, as three ACC teams were named, and none happened to be the Blue Devils. However, the five-star recruit seemed to be locked into the conference, but his destination was a tough one to ultimately decide.

Buzelis is a talented player who is expected to be one of the top players selected in next year’s NBA Draft. Although he didn’t flat-out say that he would have been Chapel Hill bound if he continues on his successful basketball career, this is one where fans of the UNC basketball program will always say…

“What if Matas Buzelis decided to come to North Carolina?”