Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women's Basketball among the finalists for elite Class of 2026 recruit

This particular recruit is part of a family with impressive basketball bloodlines.
ByNick Delahanty|
Rock Bridge's Jayda Porter (35) battles the Quincy Notre Dame defense during the Sophie Cunningham Classic on Dec. 4, 2022, at Columbia, Mo. Dsc 1228 2
Rock Bridge's Jayda Porter (35) battles the Quincy Notre Dame defense during the Sophie Cunningham Classic on Dec. 4, 2022, at Columbia, Mo. Dsc 1228 2 | Chris Kwiecinski/Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jayda Porter, a top-35 ranked player in the Class of 2026, has narrowed her recruitment down to eight programs.

Courtney Banghart and the UNC women's basketball program have been selected as one of the remaining finalists, as first reported by Talia Goodman of Rivals.

The 6-foot-3 forward is now focusing her recruitment on these programs: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Oregon, North Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Texas A&M. She has set four official visits up to this point, with more likely on the way.

While she works to establish a name for herself, it's interesting to note that her family has some notable basketball bloodlines. Her brothers, Jontay and Michael Jr., have both played in the NBA, as the latter won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets organization.

Brandon Clay, the Director of Scouting of Women's Basketball for 247Sports, had this to say about what Porter brings to the table.

"Porter has the size and skill to be a major factor on the interior. Her brothers, Jontay and Michael Jr., both made it to the NBA. Jayda has the bloodline coupled with the touch on offense to be a consistent shot maker from beyond the arc or in the post. That skill set keeps opposing defenders off balance and guessing. Porter’s ability to rebound and protect the rim will also be a huge asset for her future college coach. Her game is already diversified at a young age."

A versatile player, Porter isn't restricted to the post area. She has proven a knack for knocking down shots from deep, and also can serve as a matchup nightmare in the post.

Courtney Banghart and the UNC women's basketball program have put together strong efforts on the recruiting trail, as they have been heavily linked to some of the top talents that the Class of 2026 has to offer. With the recruitments for this rising senior class starting to heat up, Banghart and her staff are set to put on the full-court press to land the players they want.

Who knows: maybe Porter will end up being one of the members of North Carolina's 2026 recruiting class before it's all said and done.

Home/UNC Womens Basketball