June 12, 2008

Class of 2009 at UNC strong to very strong - Along with forward John Henson and shooting guard Dexter Strickland, McDonald gives North Carolina three players who at least one recruiting analyst ranks in the top 10. Scout.com analyst Dave Telep said North Carolina has the nation's top class.

“It's a pretty impressive haul when you look at it top to bottom,” Telep said. “There's size, talent in the backcourt and a future NBA talent in John Henson.”

Telep said North Carolina's Class of 2006 group was better because it had the top players in the nation at three positions in Lawson, Ellington and Brandan Wright. Highly regarded post players Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson also were in that class.

Gibbons said the Class of 2009 is better because it's deeper with frontcourt twins David and Travis Wear joining Henson, McDonald and Strickland. There's also a chance the Tar Heels will add rapidly improving power forward Ryan Kelly of Ravenscroft High in Raleigh.

“If they get (Kelly), there's no doubt, this will rank with one of the best all-time recruiting classes in Tar Heel annals,” Gibbons said. “I'm not saying it's the best, but it's one of the best from top to bottom.”