UNC Basketball Recruiting: Prioritizing Tar Heels' Top 2016 Targets

The only way to sustain success in college basketball is through recruiting. North Carolina might have a talented roster going into the 2015-16 season, but it needs to keep adding top players to contend for more titles in the future.

While the recent academic scandal could lead to issues as the program awaits potential sanctions, head coach Roy Williams and his staff will continue to do their best to bring top prospects to Chapel Hill.

On the plus side, the 2016 recruiting class features a number of top options interested in becoming Tar Heels. The question is which ones the staff absolutely need to lock up and which are simply luxuries going forward.

Here is a breakdown of the top targets for UNC ranked in order of importance.

8. Sacha Killeya-Jones, PF

With Brice Johnson and Joel James set to graduate and Kennedy Meeks potentially moving on to the NBA after next season, North Carolina will be desperate to reload with frontcourt players.

Of course, Sacha Killeya-Jones would be a quality option regardless of need as one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class. After decommiting from Virginia, the offers have started to roll in for the talented yet raw big man.

Jerry Meyer of 247Sports was impressed viewing him at the recent Top 100 Camp, tweeting, "Sacha Killeya-Jones is looking great. Always think of a lesser but very good Skal Labissiere when I watch him."

Even if North Carolina misses out on some of the top options at the position, the coaching staff would be very happy to sign a talented player with this type of upside.

7. Jayson Tatum, SF

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It appears signing Jayson Tatum would be a long shot at this stage, which puts him relatively low on the target list. Still, the small forward is one of the best players in the nation and could legitimately be the best player in college basketball as a freshman.

Unlike other top recruits who are highly rated due to potential, Tatum has an advanced offensive game that allows him to create his own shot against any defender. This could quickly carry over to the next level as a go-to option right out of the gate.

This type of ability should not be ignored, which means UNC should remain active in the recruiting process even with little chance of a commitment.

6. Seventh Woods, PG

Few players in this class (or any other class, for that matter) can match Seventh Woods on pure athleticism. The 6'1" guard is a dunk machine on the floor and is never afraid to attack the rim, even when bigger opponents are in the way.

Although he still has to improve the other areas of his game, his athleticism should help him excel in a wide-open offense like that of North Carolina. He even noted the style being an important factor when considering the Tar Heels.

"They play at a fast pace, and that's what I like most," Woods recently said of UNC, via Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv. The guard also noted that the Tar Heels, South Carolina and Florida have recruited him the hardest.

With Woods' apparent interest in the program, Roy Williams needs to make sure he gets a commitment.

5. Kobi Simmons, PG

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Kobi Simmons is an elite guard prospect with the talent to score almost at will with the ball in his hands. The question for North Carolina is how much he is needed.

Even after losing Marcus Paige, the Tar Heels will likely go into the 2016-17 season with scoring guards like Theo Pinson, Kenny Williams and potentially Justin Jackson if he returns to school for a junior season. Additionally, the school has already picked up a commitment from 2017 combo guard Jalek Felton, who has a similar skill set to that of Simmons.

Obviously, this is a player North Carolina would love to have on its roster. However, the program might be better off utilizing its resources to fill bigger needs.

4. Tony Bradley, PF

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As previously mentioned, North Carolina needs frontcourt depth wherever it can find it. This makes it important to actually sign an interested player like Tony Bradley.

The power forward was impressed with his March visit to Chapel Hill, according to Evan Daniels of Scout.com. Meanwhile, all eight predictions on 247Sports expect Bradley to end up at UNC.

Obviously, things can change in the mind of a high school player, but there is clearly mutual interest between Bradley and North Carolina. Roy Williams has to make sure he takes advantage of this and turns it into a letter of intent.

3. Dennis Smith, PG

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Like Simmons, Dennis Smith is one of the top point guard prospects in the class. However, the difference is Smith's ability to be a lead guard and create for teammates.

When the 2016 class is ready to compete, the Tar Heels will likely be left with two true point guards on the roster in Nate Britt and Joel Berry. While each has shown flashes of great play, neither has the playmaking ability of Smith.

Most importantly, Smith is a North Carolina native considering both Duke and North Carolina State, according to 247Sports. If he ends up suiting up for a rival team, the recruiting loss becomes a huge swing for the future.

Even if he is leaning in other directions at the moment, the Tar Heels must keep Smith as a priority going forward.

2. Edrice Adebayo, PF

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Many of the big men who have had success at North Carolina in recent years have similar traits to one another.

Before being lottery picks in the NBA draft, players like John Henson, Ed Davis and Brandan Wright each came through Chapel Hill with the combination of athleticism, length and quickness to run the floor and finish on fast breaks. Brice Johnson could also join this group with a big senior season.

Edrice "Bam" Adebayo fits this mold as a 6'9" forward with the athleticism to contribute on both ends of the floor. He is advanced enough in his game to immediately replace Johnson after the upcoming season, making him a potentially valuable addition to the 2016 class.

1. Harry Giles, PF

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According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Harry Giles is the No. 1 player in the 2016 class. This should make it no surprise he is the top target for North Carolina in this recruiting cycle.

Giles is an ideal fit for the team's fast-paced attack. He has a high motor and runs the floor well, which will help him finish plenty of easy dunks within the offense. Meanwhile, his ability to create for himself truly separates him from the rest of the class.

The power forward is a North Carolina native who fits the system, could help right away and would fill a position of need. Clearly, bringing in Giles should be the top priority for the Tar Heels.

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