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UNC's Michael Malone on the verge of losing first major recruiting battle over $3 million asking price
TL;DR
UNC's Michael Malone is facing a major recruiting setback as top guard Juke Harris is likely to choose Tennessee, which is offering over $3 million. Despite a positive meeting with Harris, projections indicate he will sign with the Volunteers.
UNC's Michael Malone on the verge of losing first major recruiting battle over $3 million asking price originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Michael Malone and his UNC basketball staff secured an 11th-hour meeting with top portal guard Juke Harris on Sunday. They walked away feeling good about their chances of keeping the four-star talent inside the Tar Heel state. Four days later, a new suitor for Harris' services emerged with a serious deal.
According to multiple projections by On3, UNC is expected to lose out on Harris to Rick Barnes and Tennessee. The outlet is confident he'll be headed to Knoxville with Pete Nakos dropping his prediction on Wednesday afternoon.
"There is growing confidence that Tennessee can close this out," Nakos said about Harris.
"Harris is expected to land a deal north of $3 million, which Tennessee is ready to pay. Barnes and Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes are also friendly, which could work in the Vols’ favor. Harris is still going through the NBA Draft process, which could drag out a final decision. He earned ACC Most Improved Player honors and averaged 21.4 points per game this past season."
Where does this leave Malone and the Tar Heels?
With UNC clearing $6 million off the books by cutting ties with three players, the program has the money to go toe-to-toe with the best of them. However, Malone is evaluating the situation and doesn't appear to be willing to overpay for talent. There's a huge difference between finding a true star and grinding it out to get them as a tremendous fit and just trying to pay for roster spots. Not saying Tennessee is doing that with Harris, but $3 million can buy three times the talent at a million a piece.
More:UNC Tar Heels Basketball transfer portal tracker live updates, news on commits
One of the huge advantages of having a coach with NBA experience is his basketball IQ past X's and O's. With the current landscape, being able to recognize talent and effectively manage the roster with a salary cap figure is key.
Harris will be a starter wherever he chooses to go next season. The former Wake Forest star will have two years of eligibility remaining.
More UNC basketball news:
- Hubert Davis releases statement after UNC firing
- Warning to UNC fans: Michael Malone doesn't want to 'Be Like Mike'
- Here's Coach K's unfiltered reaction to UNC hiring Michael Malone
- Why UNC hiring Michael Malone over Billy Donovan was a better fit
- UNC basketball is special but still not close to powerhouse
Q&A
Why is Juke Harris likely to choose Tennessee over UNC?
Juke Harris is expected to choose Tennessee due to their offer of over $3 million and the strong relationship between Tennessee's coach Rick Barnes and Wake Forest's coach Steve Forbes.
What are Juke Harris's recent achievements in college basketball?
Juke Harris was named the ACC Most Improved Player and averaged 21.4 points per game last season.
How does Juke Harris's decision impact UNC's basketball program?
Losing Juke Harris would be a significant setback for UNC's basketball program, as he is a highly sought-after four-star talent in the transfer portal.