. With more support managing off-court realities, Davis wants to focus on on-court excellence and landing the right players—not just bodies
As ACC pressure mounts—with NC State firing up under Will Wade and Duke’s resurgence—UNC could be at a pivotal turning point. Hubert Davis has put his foot down: transformative staffing, elite recruiting, superstar targets. If the trio of Ariza, Cloer, and Thompson/Smith Jr. lands, it won’t just be momentum—it could mark the beginning of a new Tar Heel era.
UNC watchers: you’ve been warned. Major moves ahead—three superstar names are on the way.
. Following a turbulent season and increasing pressure from ACC rivals, the UNC coach recently dropped a hint that major moves are on the horizon, and they could involve three superstar-level names—names that could reshape the future of Tar Heel basketball.
The Catalyst: Beyond Traditional Coaching
Davis has made it clear: the old model for college hoops doesn’t work anymore. On his radio show, he emphasized how NIL, the transfer portal, agents, international recruiting, and more are stretching coaches beyond limits. His solution? A major staff upgrade, including the school’s first-ever General Manager, along with specialists for NIL, marketing, recruiting, video, and fundraising .
⭐ Superstar 1: Five-Star Tajh Ariza
UNC has extended an early offer to Tajh Ariza, the son of NBA veteran Trevor Ariza and one of the nation’s most coveted guards. Ranked five-star, he’s a top‑15 nationally and weighing offers from powerhouse programs, including Oregon, Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama . Landing Ariza would be a seismic win—a recruit who could transform UNC’s backcourt for years.
⭐ Superstar 2: Six-Foot-Seven Wing Cole Cloer
Another rising star on Davis’s radar is Cole Cloer, a dynamic wing from nearby Caldwell Academy. UNC’s interest dates back over a year, and Cloer remains a Tar Heel favorite despite growing competition . Cloer’s length, scoring touch, and community ties make him a perfect fit—his commitment would resonate deeply with fans and near‑home recruitment
⭐ Superstar 3: Anthony Thompson or Jordan Smith Jr.
Davis isn’t stopping at guards. Athlon reports UNC is chasing Anthony Thompson, a top‑five forward from Western Reserve Academy, and Jordan Smith Jr., a versatile point guard in On3’s top‑10 . Securing either would send a message: UNC isn’t just aiming for one star—it’s building a class of game-changing talent with size, versatility, and NBA potential
Restoring Identity: UNC has seen roster turnover, portal exits, and a lack of size inside. These recruits offer spectrum—guards, wings, forwards—addressing all major needs.
OUTBID Rivals: Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Oregon, and Texas are competing for the same elite recruits. Davis’s revamped structure, backed by GM-level recruitment and NIL expertise, positions UNC to close those gaps.
Fan & Alumni Rejuvenation: After a season flirting with missing the NCAA Tournament, signaling such aggressive recruiting and staff overhaul re-energizes the fanbase, donors, and boosters.
He’s not afraid to evolve: “You need a bigger staff so I can do what I’m supposed to do—and that’s coaching basketball” . With more support managing off-court realities, Davis wants to focus on on-court excellence and landing the right players—not just bodies, but stars.
As ACC pressure mounts—with NC State firing up under Will Wade and Duke’s resurgence—UNC could be at a pivotal turning point. Hubert Davis has put his foot down: transformative staffing, elite recruiting, superstar targets. If the trio of Ariza, Cloer, and Thompson/Smith Jr. lands, it won’t just be momentum—it could mark the beginning of a new Tar Heel era.
UNC watchers: you’ve been warned. Major moves ahead—three superstar names are on the way.
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