All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Signee Sees One Star Disappear From Rating

Future UNC basketball center James Brown has dropped out of the top 100 in the eyes of one premier recruiting site.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

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North Carolina Tar Heels

In 247Sports' final 2024 rankings released this week, the lowest-ranked member of the three-deep UNC basketball haul, James Brown, appears at No. 106. And he has only three stars by his name.

That completes a considerable fall for the Link Academy (Mo.) center, who sat at No. 27 among his peers while knocking on the door of five-star status when he committed to the Tar Heels in January 2023.

Although the 6-foot-9, 210-pound Brown is a consistent contributor for the loaded Lions as a teammate to one prime 2025 UNC basketball recruiting target in sharpshooting five-star guard Jasper Johnson, he's rarely one of their top performers.

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His Thursday night stat line at the Air Capital Hoopfest in Wichita, Kan., was indicative of his typical production. Brown, still a four-star at No. 71 on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, tallied 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting from the field but added only two rebounds while racking up three fouls and two turnovers in 21 minutes off the bench.

Link Academy snapped its three-game skid in Nike Elite Youth Basketball League play with its 75-63 win over fellow prep powerhouse Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.).

James Brown and the Lions face Veritas Academy (Calif.) at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday (ESPN+).

As for the other two 2024 signees on tap to move to Chapel Hill this summer, Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star guard Ian Jackson and Northwood (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell check in at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively, in 247Sports' final 2024 rankings.

Hefty UNC Recruiting Prospect Shatters Glass During Game

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com 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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