UNC Basketball reaches out to 7-foot-1 New Zealander, possible late addition

Fourth-year UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis has been particularly active in recent months when it comes to scouting the basketball scene for centers, both for next season’s Tar Heel roster and beyond. Add NBA Global Academy giant Julius Halaifonua to that list.

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Speaking to Pro Insight during the 2024 NBA Academy Games this past weekend, the 6-foot-1, 300-pound New Zealander explained his sudden surge in recruitment.

“Some of the bigger schools that have reached out … North Carolina, Kentucky, Gonzaga and Georgetown,” said the 18-year-old Halaifonua. “I think those four are the biggest recruiters right now. But I have a lot more. I think I have a big decision to make and a lot of research to do in the next few weeks.”

On3 ranks Halaifonua No. 33 overall and No. 3 among centers in the 2025 class.

That said, judging by his age, his clear sense of urgency in discussing his upcoming decision and the room left on UNC’s 2024-25 basketball roster for another formidable post player, it’s possible that Hubert Davis and his cohorts are viewing the impressive talent as a potential candidate for a late reclassification.

Julius Halaifonua answered what he could mean for the university selection in Pro Insight by being the first to mention his preference for passing.

“They’re getting a big guy who likes to share the ball, works hard, is physical and just loves basketball,” Halaifonua explained. “And that’s it.”

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