DREAM COME TRUE: Son of NBA Veteran Tajh Ariza Flips Commitment to UNC Basketball……
In a high-profile development that’s electrified college basketball recruiting, five-star Class of 2026 forward Tajh Ariza, son of longtime NBA standout Trevor Ariza, has flipped his commitment to the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels, despite receiving offers from a host of elite programs across the nation. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in Chapel Hill’s 2026 recruiting efforts and adds a key piece to Hubert Davis’s championship aspirations.
Tajh Ariza, a 6’9″ small forward from California, has long been a blue-chip prospect. Listed as the No. 7 overall player nationally and No. 5 in California by 247Sports, his recruitment has attracted interest from nearly every major power in college basketball . Programs like Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, USC, and Washington were among the many vying for his commitment .
Despite this charged recruitment, sources note that UNC’s path to landing Ariza gained significant traction following his recruitment involving the Tar Heels’ head coach Hubert Davis. The relationship solidified in early June during USA Basketball U19 National Team camp in Colorado Springs. There, Davis served as a coach and worked closely with Ariza in practices and scrimmages . That personal interaction, combined with Ariza’s childhood ties to North Carolina—having lived in nearby Pinehurst for over three years—helped differentiate UNC in a crowded field .
On June 19, Ariza officially announced he had received a scholarship offer from UNC via social media, posting:
Thankful to receive a d‑1 offer from Coach Hubert Davis at UNC!! Thank you to the rest of the staff for believing in me and my ability!” .
This was quickly celebrated as a major haul for the Tar Heels, especially since they are aggressively building their Class of 2026 roster.
Why Tajh Ariza Believed in UNC
In post-offer comments to Tar Heel Illustrated, Ariza revealed why UNC stood out:
Familiarity with Coach Davis: Davis’s presence and mentorship at the USA camp left a meaningful impression. Ariza said Davis was “very good, a cool person, a great person” .
North Carolina roots: Living in Pinehurst made the Tar Heel campus and state feel like home.
Program culture: Ariza emphasized that he sought a program “where they can help me reach my goal and winning,” noting he valued accountability and strong character in coaching .
On‑Court Profile & Why UNC Needs Him
Athletically gifted and versatile, Ariza is a two-way force. He averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists per game at Westchester High School, guiding the team to a CIF Southern Section Open Division title . After transferring to St. John Bosco for the 2024–25 season, he continued to shine—leaving college scouts awestruck.
In high-level event play, Ariza averaged 8.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2 assists during the EYBL season with Team Why Not, while also showcasing plus-length and defensive versatility. According to scouts, when he isn’t scoring, he makes an impact with his rebounding, defending across multiple positions, and athleticism—some have even compared his defensive versatility to notable college stars .
For UNC, a program famed for its wing depth and two-way success—think Harrison Barnes or Leaky Black—Ariza offers a rare combination of size (6 ft 9 in), athleticism, guard-like skills, and defensive fluidity. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in various statistical categories aligns perfectly with what Hubert Davis’s staff seeks in star-level recruits.
A National Recruiting Coup
Landing Tajh Ariza is more than just securing a top-10 recruit; it signals UNC’s continued relevance among elite programs in a competitive recruiting landscape. The Tar Heels are already looking strong for 2026, but this commitment solidifies their position. With Ariza on board, UNC is expected to attract other high-profile names—like fellow five-star wing Deron Rippey Jr.—who have already expressed serious interest .
What’s Next
Ariza is reportedly scheduling official visits, including to Oregon in September, but with his UNC commitment, the Orange and Green program is officially out of the running . While official timelines remain unclear, insiders suggest he may wait until the early signing period—or later if attracted by portal developments—to make his choice public.
In the meantime, UNC fans are buzzing. With Tajh Ariza pledging to wear Carolina Blue, Chapel Hill’s recruiting class just leveled up in size, versatility, and star potential. As Ariza said, he wants to surround himself “with good people off the court,” and it’s clear the Tar Heels basketball program believes they can be that home.
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