Meet Udoka Azubuike

Over the course of the last month, the North Carolina basketball staff has quietly made some progress with 2016 C Udoka Azubuike from Jacksonville (Florida) Potters House Christian. Roy Williams flew down to Jacksonville last month, September 17th, to be exact, flanked by assistant, Hubert Davis and did an in-home with the 6-10, 280-pound center.

The visit went well. Well enough that Azubuike will officially visit Chapel Hill this coming weekend for Late Night with Roy. He has already taken official visits to both Kansas and Florida State. And Florida also remains a very active program with the strong big man.

THI spoke with his brother, Harry Coxsome, who is also an assistant coach at Potters House Christian. Coxsome says that the UNC staff has put in the time, more than most realize, and the message has resonated with the family.

"They have been recruiting him for about a year and a half now," said Coxsome. "Coach (Hubert) Davis and Coach (Roy) Williams have deeply expressed their want and need for Udoka."

As for what the primary motive is for Azuibuike? It's a program that incorporates the big men into the offense. A place that will develop him. Something that should be a very easy sell for the Tar Heels, who have a long, storied history of success with big men development.

"We want to go somewhere that works through their bigs. Somewhere that he will get his touches," Coxsome told THI back in the spring. "He's come so far in such a short time and he's so powerful."

And the message from UNC? A mirror image of what he wants.

"They told him they work through their bigs and he is well needed," he added.

Not much is known about the pulse of the recruitment on Azuibuike. He has over 15 offers and many schools have invested the time into him. He was watched by many college coaches as a member of the EYBL champion, Georgia Stars over the summer. During the summer, he was one of three incredible post players for the Stars, along with 2017 star, Wendell Carter and 2016 shot-blocker extraordinaire, Abdul Ado.

On the hardwood, Azuibuike is easy to like. His big, strong body just dwarfs most of the competition. Standing a full 6-10 and weighing 280-pounds, he combines size, strength and brute power with his aggressive, often ruthless attacking style near the basket. He dunks the ball a lot and loves to include defenders in his violent displays along the way. He's an excellent defensive rebounder and is just so effective six feet and in. Simply put, he has some Shaquille O'Neal traits in his game.

"I think he's just a Baby Shaq," said Coxsome.

He's only been playing basketball for a few years, and he still has a way to go with things like footwork, touch and feel, but his bull-dozer style on the block is something that immediately translates to the next level. He also runs the floor really well for a big guy.

Azubuike is the 27th ranked prospect in the class of 2016, according to Rivals.com.