On Wednesday afternoon at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., the UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis sent an assistant to keep an eye on the remarkable Grayson High School (Ga.) junior standout Caleb Holt. This wasn't an isolated event; assistants from Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisville, and others were also present to witness the talent of this 6-foot-5, 200-pound five-star. Even the Kansas head coach Bill Self made an appearance.

UNC Basketball's Scout's Florida Hunt for Future Stars

Section 1: Holt's Debut at the Prestigious Tournament

Caleb Holt, ranked No. 3 overall and No. 1 among shooting guards on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, truly shined in his debut at this highly regarded holiday tournament. The versatile talent, who received an offer from Davis in late July, showcased his skills by tallying an impressive 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field. Alongside this, he added four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, which played a crucial role in fueling the Grayson Rams to a dominant 96-55 win over Central Catholic High School (Ore.). This victory improved the Grayson Rams' season record to 9-0.In a tweet that went viral, it was noted that Caleb Holt and Amir Taylor were extremely difficult to guard during their 2024 City of Palms Debuts. The Grayson team grabbed a big 96-55 win over Central Catholic, with Holt scoring 20 points on 7 out of 13 field goals and Taylor contributing 17 points and 16 rebounds. This performance truly demonstrated Holt's potential and talent.

Section 2: UNC Basketball's 2026 Recruiting Targets

Caleb Holt is one of the five active UNC basketball recruiting targets in the 2026 cycle. Alongside him, there are other notable prospects. Caldwell Academy (Ga.) four-star forward Cole Cloer, Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.) five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr., Compass Prep (Ariz.) five-star forward Miikka Muurinen, and the top-ranked player in Notre Dame High School (Calif.) five-star forward Tyran Stokes have all received early offers from the Tar Heels. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and potential to the table, adding to the excitement around UNC basketball's recruiting efforts.As for Holt, he checks in at No. 3 overall in the ESPN 60 for 2026. His performance at the City of Palms Classic has only further solidified his status as a highly sought-after recruit. Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more updates on the Caleb Holt sweepstakes and other UNC basketball recruiting news.

Section 3: The Impact of the Scout's Presence

The fact that the UNC basketball head coach sent an assistant to check on Caleb Holt and that assistants from other prominent programs were also present shows the significance of this event. It highlights the level of interest in Holt and the potential he holds. The presence of these scouts not only provides an opportunity for Holt to showcase his skills but also gives UNC basketball a chance to assess his fit with the team. It is a crucial step in the recruiting process and can have a significant impact on the future of the program.Moreover, the fact that the Kansas head coach Bill Self attended the tournament himself indicates the level of competition and attention surrounding these recruiting events. It sets the stage for a battle among the top programs as they vie for the services of talented players like Caleb Holt.