Louisville could watch UNC land 5-star DeMarcus Henry after latest recruiting update

Pat Kelsey and his recruiting efforts have another big day, as the Cardinals will wait to see whether they land their first 5-star after missing out on a couple of guards to LSU. Louisville first made 5-star King Gibson’s final four, but he ultimately committed to LSU over the Cardinals. And then, just yesterday, Louisville saw the No. 9 overall recruit, Reese Alston, commit to LSU over Louisville after the Cards were in his final five.

Louisville's No. 1 target is obvious after 5-star guard Reese Alston's update

Now, we are just a few hours away from learning if Kelsey and the Cardinals will earn their first 5-star. DeMarcus Henry cut his list to just four teams, putting UofL and Pat Kelsey in a heated recruiting battle with Kentucky, Arkansas, and North Carolina.

Louisville has been a major threat in the race for a long time, but over the past couple of weeks, North Carolina has really emerged as the dominant favorite. Now, as we inch closer to the decision, Louisville keeps getting concerning updates about Henry.

UNC lands Crystal Ball preditcion for 5-star DeMarcus Henry

The 5-star small forward will make his official decision Friday, October 30, at 3 p.m. local time on ESPN. The Cards have been a major threat to land Henry throughout his recruiting process, as Louisville earned an official visit from Henry in September after securing a spot in the Final Eight. Shortly after the visit, Kelsey took a trip to see Henry again and recently visited him again before Henry ultimately makes his decision.

However, despite Kelsey’s recruiting push for Henry, the signs may point to the 5-star staying local, as David Sisk of Tar Heel 247 has logged a Crystal Ball prediction favoring UNC and Michael Malone.

UNC was the last team to earn an official visit from Henry, and during that visit, Malone went viral for his connection with Michael Jordan and for getting the NBA legend on the phone to tell the 5-star he wants him in Carolina blue.

“So, I am on the phone with Michael Jordan, and he said he knew me, so I was like, that is crazy that Michael Jordan knows me, and he said he is a big fan," stated Henry. "I am like, man, that is crazy coming from Jordan. And he was like I want to see you in Carolina blue, and I was like That is tuff.”

On top of Sisk’s Crystal Ball, Malone having Jordan talk to Henry, On3 Sports' Joe Tipton also reported a few days ago that UNC is in a “favorable position.” So, with his decision just hours away, and while Louisville was a major threat in this race and earned a spot in his final four, it certainly feels like all the signs point to UNC.

Henry ranks as high as No. 2 overall in the 2027 recruiting class and No. 1 among small forwards.

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