The University of North Carolina's basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Hubert Davis, is intensifying its recruitment for the 2026 class. Recently, they extended offers to two highly ranked players: Deron Rippey Jr., a five-star point guard from Blair Academy in New Jersey, and Anthony Thompson, a five-star small forward from Western Reserve Academy in Ohio. These additions bring the total number of active 2026 targets to eight, showcasing UNC's commitment to securing top-tier talent. Despite these efforts, the Tar Heels are yet to secure any commitments for this cycle.

Recruitment Details and Player Profiles

In the vibrant autumn season, the UNC coaching staff has been actively pursuing some of the most promising young talents. Last weekend, they made an offer to Deron Rippey Jr., who hails from Blair Academy. Just days later, on a sunny Sunday, they extended an invitation to Anthony Thompson, a standout player from Western Reserve Academy. Thompson, who ranks 17th overall and 6th at his position according to 247Sports' 2026 Composite, announced his offer through a social media post expressing gratitude. Standing at 6-foot-8, Thompson has been praised for his exceptional shooting ability, particularly in challenging situations. National recruiting director Adam Finkelstein noted that no one in the prep ranks has demonstrated more sheer talent than Thompson this year.

Beyond Rippey Jr. and Thompson, the Tar Heels are also targeting other elite prospects such as Jordan Smith Jr. from Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, Tyran Stokes from Notre Dame High School in California, Cole Cloer from Caldwell Academy in North Carolina, Caleb Holt from Grayson High School in Georgia, Cameron Holmes from Millennium High School in Arizona, and Miikka Muurinen from Compass Prep in Arizona. The competition for these players is fierce, but UNC remains dedicated to building a formidable team.

From a journalist's perspective, UNC's aggressive recruitment strategy reflects their determination to maintain their status as a basketball powerhouse. By focusing on versatile and talented players like Thompson and Rippey Jr., the Tar Heels are positioning themselves for future success. It will be intriguing to see how these efforts translate into commitments and ultimately, victories on the court. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial as fans eagerly await updates on the 2026 class.