As the University of North Carolina men’s basketball program continues to build under head coach Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels have set their sights on one of the brightest talents in the Class of 2027: King Gibson.
From Montverde to SPIRE: Gibson’s Rapid Rise
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound combo guard from Burlington, North Carolina has quickly emerged as a top national recruit. Currently playing at SPIRE Academy in Ohio, after transferring from the renowned Monteverde Academy in Florida, Gibson has drawn attention from programs across the country with his athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility on both ends of the floor. Michigan being one of those teams after Gibson but also the likes of crosstown rivals, in Duke and NC State.
King Gibson models his game after some of the best to EVER do it (Shai and Kobe).The top ranked CG in the class of 2027 is going to be a PROBLEM 😳 pic.twitter.com/Md4KAd3oBD
— SPIRE Basketball (@SPIREHoops) January 16, 2026
Hailing from the Greensboro area, Gibson grew up in Tar Heel territory, making UNC’s interest particularly meaningful. Gibson received the offer on June 24, 2025, from the Tar Heels, a move that came shortly after the contact period opened and as he began turning heads on the national prep and AAU circuits.
Explosive Combo Guard with Blue-Blood Appeal
He plays with the kind of explosiveness and skill set that modern college basketball programs crave. A true combo guard, he can initiate offense as a point guard or score off the ball as a shooting guard. His athleticism shines in transition, where he finishes above the rim and pushes the pace effectively. Defensively, he’s shown the ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes.
This is what I love about King Gibson, an active & willing on-ball defender. He not only locks down one ball handler, but hawks a second one after the switch. He stays low in a stance as he slides, and he is constantly moving those feet. @TarHeel_247pic.twitter.com/S3n377B0z9
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) January 21, 2026
Recruiting services have taken notice. He’s ranked among the top-10 overall prospects in the 2027 class by multiple outlets, and 247Sports has tabbed him as the No.1 combo guard in his class and player in the state of Ohio…