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Prediction Pegs Big UNC Basketball Target to Commit Elsewhere

UNC basketball might have some ground to make up on a fellow blueblood in the Malachi Moreno sweepstakes.
Matt Giles|
UNC basketball recruiting target Malachi Moreno
UNC basketball recruiting target Malachi Moreno | Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA

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North Carolina Tar Heels

The 247Sports Crystal Ball remains empty for Great Crossing High School (Ky.) center and 2025 UNC basketball offer holder Malachi Moreno.

ALSO READ: Elite UNC Target Caleb Wilson Plans More Trips to Tobacco Road

But at least one other crystal ball in existence now sees Kentucky as the blueblood with all of the momentum at the moment. The source of said crystal ball is HS Top Recruits, one of the most active accounts these days in terms of talking to top preps, tracking their recruitments, and making seemingly informed predictions — to the tune of an advertised 22-for-24 clip in all-time picks.

Moreno, who ranks No. 26 overall and No. 2 among centers on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, received an offer from UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis on May 22.

One month later, days after making the short drive home from an unofficial visit to home-state favorite Kentucky, the 7-foot, 230-pound four-star named eight finalists in his recruitment: UNC, Kentucky, Ohio State, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisville, Notre Dame, and Indiana.

And by all accounts, the Tar Heels are still in pursuit of the 17-year-old Malachi Moreno, one of 16 undecided prospects on Davis' 2025 wishlist. That said, he's yet to confirm any plans to visit Chapel Hill.

Meanwhile, he's noted that he may wrap up his recruitment before his 18th birthday in late October and in time for the early signing period a few weeks later.

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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