Injured Star Isaiah Denis Tells a Duke Legend Why He Selected UNC Basketball

The early 2025 UNC basketball recruiting prize is being held in conjunction with this week’s John Wall Holiday Invitational. Hubert Davis, the fourth-year Tar Heel head coach, was present when Isaiah Denis, a basketball prospect from UNC and a standout at Davidson Day School in North Carolina, scored 22 points in a home victory earlier this month. However, the 6-foot-5, 175-pound guard was unable to participate for his squad in this week’s John Wall Holiday Invitational in Raleigh because of a right hand injury he suffered last week.

Isaiah Denis Explains the Reason UNC Was Like Home: “Everywhere, it was Carolina blue.” Finding a home was more important to Isaiah Denis than basketball when he decided to go to North Carolina. Denis, who is ranked No. 61 overall in the 247Sports 2025 Composite, talked about how his visit to Chapel Hill was almost predestined in terms of his relationship with the Tar Heels. Speaking with a seasoned ACC analyst and former NBA player, Denis said, “Man, they were just so welcoming.” There was a strong sense of family from the minute I arrived on campus. Everyone I encountered seemed to be a part of this close-knit Carolina community, not just the players or the coaching staff.

The clues directing him to UNC were too obvious for Denis to ignore. He grinned and remarked, “I saw Carolina blue everywhere I looked.” “The coaches had a clear vision for me, and the atmosphere was amazing.” That was enormous. I wanted to go somewhere with a plan for my personal and professional development in addition to how I might help the team. It was sincere and not just a recruiting ploy. For me, there was a need and a want, and that was what changed everything. I felt like I belonged, not simply wanted,” Denis continued. “I knew this was home by the end of the visit.”

UNC’s 2025 recruiting class is off to a promising start with Derek Dixon, a standout from Gonzaga College High School (D.C.), and Denis having committed. Both athletes contribute skill and promise to a program that is known for transforming young players into legendary figures. Denis’ sincere remarks and dedication give the Tar Heel supporters even more cause to think that Carolina basketball will have a bright future, just like its legendary past.