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Potential 2026 UNC Basketball Recruiting Prize Talks Decision Timeline

The UNC basketball program remains in the top 15 for Anthony Thompson.
Matt Giles|
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Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) wing Anthony Thompson has been a priority on the 2026 UNC basketball wishlist ever since Hubert Davis and his staff extended an offer to the potent southpaw back in early January.

ALSO READ: Longtime UNC Offer Holder Caleb Holt Transfers to Relocated Prep Power

In late April, after seeing his high-profile recruitment grow to over 30 Division I offers, including most of the bluebloods, Thompson trimmed his list of suitors to a top 15. And that's where the count stands six weeks later, with UNC basketball battling Auburn, BYU, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas, and Xavier.

"I'm hoping to narrow it a little bit more," Thompson told The Field of 68's Ani Umana this week. "I'm trying to take some visits, hopefully in the summertime, commit by the end of the year, hopefully.

"But it's pretty open right now."

Boasting a silky jumper and reported 7-foot-2 wingspan, the 6-foot-8, 185-pound five-star stacks up at No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and No. 1 in Ohio on the 247Sports 2026 Composite.

Thompson, who said he models many aspects of his on-court repertoire after Kevin Durant, added that he's looking for a place where he "can play inside and out" and be in position to impact winning at a high level.

"A skilled lefty forward with extreme shot-making potential, and length to match, Thompson is a tremendously gifted offensively prospect," 247Sports' Adam Finkelstein noted in his scouting report. "The southpaw leans back into a high release that is virtually unblocked and allows him to make tough shots with very little separation. He's capable of making both threes and pull-ups in bunches..."

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

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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.

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