UNC Basketball Recruiting: Latest Updates on Tar Heels' Top 2016 Targets

The North Carolina Tar Heels have already put together an impressive recruiting class in 2016, and they have a chance to get even better with a few uncommitted prospects.

The Tar Heels have an elite team this season, but with Marcus Paige, Brice Johnson and others graduating and a few players likely considering a jump to the NBA, they will need a lot of help before the start of the 2016-17 season. This has led to a quality group of players already signed in Seventh Woods, Brandon Robinson and Tony Bradley, who was recently named a McDonald's All-American.

While these three players should all make an impact next season, the team could still use some more help. Although there aren't many top prospects still available and considering UNC, there are enough to make things interesting as this cycle comes to a close.

Before the coaching staff and fans start focusing on 2017 and beyond, here is a look at the top remaining targets for 2016.

Rawle Alkins, SG

North Carolina has two guards already committed in this class, but the coaching staff certainly won't turn away Rawle Alkins if he wants to sign. The 6'5" shooting guard is one of the more college-ready players in the class thanks to his size and toughness, using both attributes to constantly attack the basket on offense.

According to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, there are currently nine teams still vying for Alkins' services, including North Carolina State, Kentucky, Kansas and others. While there are always rumors from different sources, the guard explained in a recent blog post for USA Today that he isn't leaning in any direction and you shouldn't believe otherwise:

"

Right now I’m still wide open with everything. I have no favorites, but that should change when I start taking visits. I plan to have a top five before I decide.

I’m definitely eager to start my officials to see everything up close. I’ll definitely say that living situation is gonna weigh heavy with me. I just want to see how the players live and what life is like when they’re not playing basketball. That’s a huge part for me.

"

One advantage for UNC might be the fact the New York native is currently playing at Word of God Christian Academy in North Carolina, giving Alkins the opportunity to visit Chapel Hill whenever he wants. 

The 5-star guard appears to still be a long way from deciding, but his recruitment remains worth monitoring throughout the coming weeks and months.

Udoka Azubuike, C

If North Carolina can add one more player to its 2016 class, Udoka Azubuike would likely be the first pick. First of all, the Tar Heels will be thin in the frontcourt next season, especially if Kennedy Meeks leaves early. Just as important, the center has the potential to be a monster at the college level.

The 6'11", 265-pound senior is rated the No. 3 center in the 2016 class and No. 28 overall by 247Sports' composite rankings thanks mostly to his size and strength in the post. He is a wide-bodied player who knows how to beat up on smaller opponents on both ends of the court.

This big-time dunk also shows why it won't be surprising if he eventually breaks a backboard with his force.

There were rumors Azubuike was going to announce a decision this past weekend, but Evan Daniels of Scout.com reported he pushed it back and now doesn't have a time frame. Ross Martin of 247Sports noted that while Florida State had been a favorite for much of the process, the player is reportedly now down to just North Carolina and Kansas.

UNC just has to close the deal and get the McDonald's All-American to Chapel Hill.

Jarrett Allen, PF

The Tar Heels also remain in the running for top power forward Jarrett Allen, although there is more competition still in the hunt than with Azubuike.

According to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, North Carolina is one of the five schools he is hearing from the most, along with Kansas, Kentucky, Houston and Texas. He added his thoughts on UNC, saying, "They have a good history with everybody."

Allen certainly would be a nice fit in head coach Roy Williams' offense if he does enter the program. While Azubuike resembles Kennedy Meeks, Allen is more like Brice Johnson as a long, lanky forward (6'9", 210 lbs) with good athleticism who runs the floor well. He could stand to add more strength, but he has already shown some quality post moves to score with his back to the basket.

It might be difficult to beat Texas as the hometown team, but it might be some time before Allen makes a decision. This could provide a chance for North Carolina to sort out who will be in the rotation next season before putting on a full-court press to sign the talented forward.

Nick Rakocevic, PF

This is a relatively new name for those following the 2016 class, but Nick Rakocevic is rising quickly during his senior season. 

The Illinois native had a big showing at the recent Hoophall Classic, totaling 23 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks in a loss to Catholic Memorial. Although the 6'10" forward is considered just a 3-star at the moment, he has a nice touch to make shots from the outside and good instincts defensively.

According to Andrew Slater of 247Sports, Rakocevic will visit North Carolina after his season ends, although there are still a lot of teams in the mix for the talented big man.

While a commitment from the forward might not excite too many fans, he would provide some much-needed depth if he does end up coming to Chapel Hill. 

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