All Tar Heels

Five-Star Floor General Lands UNC Basketball Offer

The UNC basketball staff has officially entered the fray for 2026 backcourt sensation Taylen Kinney.
Matt Giles|
UNC basketball recruiting target Taylen Kinney
UNC basketball recruiting target Taylen Kinney | Matt Stone/The Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

In this story:

North Carolina Tar Heels

Overtime Elite (Ga.) junior floor general Taylen Kinney has now reeled in a UNC basketball offer, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI confirmed on Friday night, adding to the 6-foot-2, 180-pound five-star prospect's notably long list of suitors at his relatively early juncture on the 2026 trail.

ALSO READ: UNC Product Day'Ron Sharpe Fresh Off Career-Best Performance

Kinney ranks No. 17 overall, No. 4 among point guards, and No. 2 in Georgia on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. A result of his dynamic abilities as a shifty playmaker and explosive bucket-getter, he's already racked up over 30 offers.

Back in December, Kinney announced a top 15 of Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Xavier, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Purdue, Kansas, Tennessee, Oregon, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas State. At the time, though, he noted his recruitment remains open.

He's the eighth 2026 talent to receive an offer from UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis.

Thus far, the Tar Heels haven't secured their first pledge in the cycle. But only one of their targets has committed elsewhere.

ALSO READ: Premier UNC Pledge Caleb Wilson Commands 56-Point Playoff Win

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball and football recruiting news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Share on XFollow MattGilesBD
Home/Basketball