Hubert Davis doesn't just hand out offers like candy on Halloween. So, when the news broke that Qayden Samuels UNC basketball recruiting efforts were officially shifting into high gear with a scholarship offer last June, people in Chapel Hill sat up a little straighter.
If you've been watching the 2026 class, you know the name. If you haven't? Well, you're looking at a 6-foot-5, 200-pound lefty wing from Bishop McNamara in Maryland who basically treats the hoop like it's a personal magnet. He's a "bucket" in the purest sense of the word. Honestly, watching him play for Team Takeover on the EYBL circuit feels like watching a guy who just decided he’s going to score 20 and there isn’t much you can do about it.
The State of Qayden Samuels UNC Basketball Recruiting
Right now, the recruitment is in that "intense but uncommitted" phase. UNC is firmly in the mix, but they aren't alone. Far from it.
Hubert Davis and his staff have been tracking Samuels for a long time. They saw him dominate the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, where he led the entire camp in scoring—pacing all those five-star names with over 25 points per game. That was the turning point. Shortly after that performance, the Tar Heels officially entered the race.
But here is the reality: the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area is a dogfight. Georgetown's Ed Cooley is practically living at Bishop McNamara, and Alabama’s Nate Oats is making a massive push to bring that southpaw scoring to Tuscaloosa. UConn is also hovering. It’s a heavy-hitter battle, and while UNC has the prestige, they’re fighting against local ties and some of the hottest programs in the country.
Why the Tar Heels Want Him So Badly
It isn’t just about the points. It’s about the way he scores.
North Carolina’s system under Hubert Davis thrives when they have wings who can create their own shots and stretch the floor. Samuels has a high release point that makes his jumper almost impossible to block. He’s lethal from the mid-range—a bit of a lost art—and he can pull up from three with zero hesitation.
He’s got a 6-foot-11 wingspan. Think about that for a second. For a 6-foot-5 guard/wing, that length is a cheat code on the defensive end and helps him finish over taller rim protectors. He isn't just a finesse player either; he's built like a tank at 200-plus pounds and doesn't mind the contact.
What the Scouts Are Saying (And What They Aren't)
If you look at the rankings, they’re a bit all over the place, which tells you scouts are still debating his ceiling. ESPN has him as high as No. 10 in the country. 247Sports has him around No. 18 or 19.
The consensus? He’s a five-star talent with an NBA frame.
The Good:
- Pure Shot-Making: He can score at all three levels. His lefty stroke is fluid, and he’s comfortable shooting off the dribble or the catch.
- Physicality: He has the "college-ready" body already. He won't get bullied in the ACC.
- Length: That nearly 7-foot wingspan allows him to play much bigger than his height.
The Work in Progress:
- Shot Selection: Because he can make tough shots, he sometimes takes too many of them. Coaches want to see him become a more willing passer when the double-team comes.
- Lateral Quickness: He isn't a "blow-by" athlete. He relies more on strength and footwork than raw explosive speed.
The Competition: Who Else is in the Mix?
UNC fans should keep a very close eye on Georgetown and Alabama.
- Georgetown: They are the hometown favorite. Ed Cooley has been selling the "stay home and be a hero" narrative, and it’s working. Samuels has already taken an official visit there.
- Alabama: Nate Oats’ system is a dream for a volume scorer like Samuels. The Tide are persistent and have had a ton of success with versatile wings lately.
- UConn: Dan Hurley doesn't lose many recruiting battles these days. The Huskies hosted him for a visit in late 2025, and their back-to-back championship pedigree is a loud selling point.
- Syracuse: They've been recruiting him "harder than almost anyone," according to some reports. Assistant Brendan Straughn has deep ties to the DMV and has been the lead man there.
Where Does UNC Stand Today?
Basically, the Tar Heels are in the "top group." They haven't secured a commitment, but they are a priority for 2026.
The 2026 cycle is still evolving, but Hubert Davis has made it clear that Samuels is a "must-get" type of player to anchor the perimeter. The connection with Team Takeover—a powerhouse AAU program that has sent plenty of talent to the ACC—is a major factor here. UNC has a long history of recruiting the D.C. area successfully, and they’re leaning on that legacy.
One thing to watch: Samuels' mother has been very involved in the process, and she’s been vocal about finding a program that truly values his versatile scoring. UNC’s pitch is simple: "We let our guards play, and we need a playmaker who can replace the scoring we're losing to the draft."
What Most People Get Wrong About This Recruitment
A lot of fans think that because UNC is a "blue blood," they can just walk in and take whoever they want from Maryland. That’s just not true anymore.
The "Georgetown factor" is massive. Thomas Sorber’s success at Georgetown (and his path toward the NBA) has given local recruits a reason to look at the Hoyas again. If Qayden decides he wants to stay close to his family in Forestville, the Tar Heels might have a hard time pulling him away.
Also, don’t buy into the "he’s just a shooter" narrative. If you watch his tape from Bishop McNamara, he’s a beast on the boards. He averaged nearly 7 rebounds a game at DMV Live. He’s a "toughness" guy, not just a "points" guy.
Real-World Impact: The 2026 Class Outlook
If UNC lands Samuels, it changes the geometry of their 2026 class. It allows them to focus more on finding a traditional big man and a pure point guard, knowing they have their "Alpha" scorer on the wing.
If they miss? They’ll likely have to pivot to other targets like Caleb Holt or Jordan Smith Jr. (who, coincidentally, is Samuels' teammate at Team Takeover).
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Next Steps for UNC Fans: Keep an eye on the official visit schedule for the spring and summer of 2026. If Samuels sets a return date to Chapel Hill, it’s a huge sign that the Tar Heels have survived the initial wave of local pressure. You should also watch the box scores for Bishop McNamara’s remaining high school games—see if his assist numbers are climbing, as that's exactly what Hubert Davis wants to see from his primary targets.