While it took some time before North Carolina found the pieces that it wanted in the frontcourt, it looks as if things are solidified for the next year or two around the basket. Today, Sterling Manley, a 6-foot-10 center out of Pickerington Central High School, gave his verbal commitment to the ACC blueblood following his visit to campus.

While injuries have hampered Manley over the past few years, hence his quick ascension these past few months on the recruiting front after being a lightly followed, regional recruit, and recently, a highly devoured prospect from some of the better programs on the east coast, Manley is someone with his best basketball ahead of him.

A 6-foot-10 center that still needs some filling out to do, Roy Williams and his staff were tasked with finding the proper replacements for senior big men Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks. Thanks to the landing of Manley, the Tar Heels may be confident heading into the early signing period in taking a shot for the fences in hopes of luring five-star forward Kevin Knox or Jarred Vanderbilt to campus next year.

Beating out the likes of Purdue, WVU, and Xavier, North Carolina snagged someone that can score in the low post with a go-to hook jumper but can also face his man up and shoot the mid-range jumper out of high elbow region. Displaying good hands on the glass and the length that should allow for his guards to take chances within the passing lanes as the Buckeye State native can work as a rim protector, Manley’s true value won’t be felt for another year or two, though the talent and physical tangibles are in tow.

Now the fourth commitment in the 2017 at UNC, the Tar Heels will add Manley to already committed big man Brandon Huffman, creating a strong duo with great length. Along with the interior pieces will be the gem of the class in Jalek Felton, as the South Carolina native will be aided by the shooting prowess of 6-foot-3 guard Andrew Platek.