UNC Basketball Recruiting: Taylen Kinney Sets First ACC Official Visit

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Ever since landing a UNC basketball offer back in late February, Overtime Elite (Ga.) junior Taylen Kinney has mentioned the Tar Heels as a contender in his recruitment. And according to report from League Ready's Sam Kayser this week, Hubert Davis and his staff are still among the 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard's top suitors.
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But UNC didn't become the first ACC school to lock in an official visit with Kinney. No, as of Tuesday afternoon, that distinction belongs to Louisville, as the five-star prospect has scheduled a trip to check out the Cardinals beginning on June 5.
NEWS: 2026 Top-25 guard Taylen Kinney will take an official visit to Louisville on June 5th, a source tells @LeagueRDY.
— Sam Kayser (@247HSHoops) May 20, 2025
Kinney is one of the top players on the 3SSB circuit and averaged 26PPG, 5APG and 5RPG this weekend throughout four games.
Purdue, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas,… pic.twitter.com/wP4Xl9Nr3r
Taylen Kinney, a highly advanced three-level scorer who took home offensive MVP honors from last weekend's loaded 3SSB grassroots session in Nebraska, is also still considering Purdue, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oregon, and Kansas, among several others, according to Kayser.
adidas 3SSB: Omaha 17U All-Circuit Awards 🏆
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) May 22, 2025
Offensive MVP 💰
Tayler Kinney | Wildcat Select (PA) | 2026
25.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.8 APG
Full Awards ⤵️https://t.co/aqYb4535UQ @Taylen_0 @wildcatselect @3SSBCircuit @athleteaiapp 🎥 @courtsidefilmspic.twitter.com/C1Xgf7A2ZX
He's one of about a dozen UNC basketball recruiting targets on the 2026 trail. Davis and his Tar Heels, whose wishlist consists of mostly five-star talents, haven't secured their first win in the cycle, but it's still relatively early.
Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

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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