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Basketball

UNC's 2025 Recruiting: 2 Targets Left After AJ Dybantsa's BYU Choice

2024-12-11

The North Carolina Tar Heels find themselves in a unique recruiting situation as they have only two basketball stars locked in their 2025 class and just two targets remaining. This is a critical moment for the team as they strive to build a strong roster for the future. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, they suffered a setback when the Class of 2025's top-ranked player, AJ Dybantsa, chose BYU. Dybantsa, who plays at Utah Prep, may have been influenced by location. There are also rumors suggesting he was attracted by a $7 million NIL bag. With Dybantsa gone, the focus now shifts entirely to Caleb Wilson, a 5-star power forward from Atlanta, Ga. Wilson, who plays at Holy Innocents Episcopal School, is ranked fifth in the Class of 2025 and is the nation's third-ranked power forward and Georgia's top overall player. The Tar Heels already have commitments from 4-star combo guards Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon, but they still need to land a 5-star.

Caleb Wilson's Significance

Caleb Wilson's recruitment has become extremely important. Many have doubts about Hubert's recruiting abilities. UNC has not completely failed in 2025 recruiting but has lost two of its top targets. In addition to Dybantsa, they previously watched Jasper Johnson commit to Kentucky. If the original 2025 class was based solely on offers, it would have been one of the best in the nation. However, in this recruiting era, kids are choosing money over tradition. We can't blame recruits for chasing a better future with NIL helping less-established programs like BYU lure in top recruits. But it is also changing college sports and making it more professional. If UNC lands Wilson and Nate Ament, their loss of Dybantsa will matter less. If Wilson (and/or Ament) choose elsewhere, Hubert Davis will need to seriously reevaluate his recruiting efforts.

The Impact of NIL

NIL has had a significant impact on college basketball recruiting. It has opened up new opportunities for players to earn money and has led to a shift in priorities for many recruits. Programs like BYU have been able to attract top talent by offering lucrative NIL deals. This has put pressure on traditional powerhouses like North Carolina to keep up. The Tar Heels need to find a balance between offering financial incentives and maintaining their rich basketball tradition. They must convince players that playing for UNC is not just about the money but about the history and the opportunity to be part of a winning program.

Recruiting Challenges and Opportunities

The Tar Heels face several challenges in their 2025 recruiting class. They have lost two of their top targets and need to secure a 5-star player to strengthen the team. However, they also have some opportunities. Caleb Wilson is a highly rated prospect with the potential to make a significant impact. If they can land him and Nate Ament, they can build a strong core for the future. The coaching staff needs to work hard to convince these players that UNC is the right place for them. They need to showcase the program's history, facilities, and academic opportunities. They also need to build relationships with the players and their families to gain their trust.