What once was a large, 2026 recruiting class of 10+ targets is now down to six for the UNC basketball program. This includes in-state recruits like Cole Cloer, who grew up 30 minutes from Chapel Hill, but opted for NC State instead.
One recruit still in the fold for North Carolina is 5-star wing Maximo Adams, who is ranked Top-25 nationally and plays his high school ball for Sierra Canyon. Adams recently announced his cancellation of a Duke visit, which makes Adams’ Tar Heels visit the final in his recruiting process.
Could Adams soon choose UNC as his college destination? On Monday afternoon, Adams included North Carolina in his final four, along with Kentucky, Texas and Michigan State.
If Adams chooses the Tar Heels, it wouldn’t be the first time they won a recruiting battle over UK. Caleb Wilson, a star freshman on this year’s squad, opted for UNC over Kentucky.
NEWS: 2026 Top-20 overall recruit Maximo Adams is down to four schools, he tells @Rivals.
The 6-7 small forward has completed official visits to each of his finalists. https://t.co/baXpx7DEQ9pic.twitter.com/1ioEYou2tt
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) November 3, 2025
According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings on his 247Sports recruiting profile, Adams is ranked 22nd nationally in the 2026 class, 10th amongst small forwards and fifth overall in California. Adams averaged a double-double in EYBL Play earlier this year, while shooting over 50 percent from the field and 70% on free throws, so North Carolina would benefit big-time for a player of Adams’ caliber.
The Tar Heels also have combo guard Dylan Mingo, point guard Deron Rippey Jr., shooting guard Caleb Holt, wings Qayden Samuels and Cameron Holmes in their 2026 class.
If UNC can secure a commitment from Holmes, Hubert Davis can start focusing his effort on other areas of need across the roster.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Top-25 recruit Maximo Adams includes UNC basketball in final four
