When it came time to make the biggest decision of my young basketball career, the pressure was real. I had offers from almost every elite college basketball program in the countryโblue bloods like Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, and powerhouse programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Ohio State. But in the end, I committed to the University of North Carolina. Some might be surprised. Others may not understand it. But for me, the choice was clearโand it goes much deeper than just basketball.
Let me take you inside my decision.
Growing up, I always watched UNC with a different kind of energy. The players wore that Carolina blue with pride, and there was something different about the way they moved, the passion they played with, and how the fans lived every moment with them. I didnโt just see talentโI saw legacy. From Michael Jordan to Vince Carter, from Tyler Hansbrough to Coby WhiteโUNC has always developed winners, both on and off the court.
But that legacy was only the beginning.
What truly set UNC apart during my recruitment process was authenticity. Head Coach Hubert Davis wasnโt just another recruiter reading off a script. From our first conversation, he was honest, straightforward, and incredibly passionateโnot just about basketball, but about life. He talked to me like a person, not a prospect. He told me where I needed to grow. He showed me how Iโd fit into the teamโnot just what I could do for UNC, but what UNC could do for me. He cared.
That honesty meant everything.
When I visited Chapel Hill, it just felt right. The energy around the program, the brotherhood among the players, the family atmosphereโit wasnโt fake. I could feel that the culture was strong and real. Thereโs a sense of pride that comes with wearing that jersey, and the community around the school supports their players in a way Iโve never seen before.
Some of the other schools were tempting. The facilities were top-notch, the NIL deals were big, and their names carried weight. But I wasnโt looking for the flashiest program or the highest offerโI was looking for the right fit. And thatโs what UNC was for me: the place where I could be developed, pushed, respected, and supported.
On the court, I know UNC will give me the freedom to be myself while holding me accountable to become the best version of my game. I believe in Coach Davisโs vision and I know he believes in mine.
Off the court, I want to be in a place that values education, personal growth, and a lasting impact. UNC offers that balance. Itโs more than basketballโitโs about building a life, building a future.
So yesโthis is bigger than rankings and bigger than offers. This is about legacy, growth, and a vision that aligns with mine.
Thatโs why Iโm a Tar Heel. And I canโt wait to bring everything I have to Chapel Hill. Letโs make history.
