The UNC basketball program is still exploring potential front court options

Although the 2024-2025 season is still months away, there's been plenty of discussion about the UNC basketball program's front court heading into the new season.

Armando Bacot has left town, and other than Jalen Washington, the current roster doesn't necessarily possess the size that the Tar Heels have grown accustomed to having.

While the big men available in the transfer portal essentially all found homes elsewhere, it hasn't stopped Hubert Davis and his staff from exploring any potential option out there, including a potential re-classification option.

Four-star prospect Julius Halaifonua is a 7-foot center from New Zealand who currently plays for the NBA Global Academy. The Tar Heels have kept tabs on some of the big men that the academy have to offer, as Halaifonua is a name to keep on your radar.

In a recent interview with Jamie Shaw of On3, Halaifonua spoke about his current recruitment and discussed how the UNC basketball program has recently jumped into the mix.

“They’re new in my recruitment. I still haven’t talked with them yet, but they are on the phone a lot with my coach back in New Zealand. I know about UNC, but I want to get on the phone with them after this and learn more about the program.”

Halaifonua is the type of big man that Hubert Davis is looking for. Not only does he possess the length and size to compete in the paint but also has the touch to score from all three levels, as his ability to stretch the floor is a skill that would be very beneficial in the Tar Heels offensive system.

While he's currently a member of the Class of 2025, Halaifonua has kept the door open on a potential reclassification. If he decides to move his college timeline up a year, expect the Tar Heels to be heavily involved in his recruitment over the next couple of weeks.