UNC's Michael Malone on the verge of losing first major recruiting battle over $3 million asking price
The Tar Heels are ready to pivot.
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.