- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Five-star New York basketball recruit commits to UNC
Dylan Mingo, a consensus five-star prospect, chooses North Carolina over other top programs
Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:15am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Dylan Mingo, a consensus five-star basketball recruit and the No. 9 overall prospect in the class of 2026, has committed to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina. The 6-foot-5 combo guard from Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York chose UNC over offers from Baylor, Washington, and Penn State, where his brother Kayden is currently a freshman.
Why it matters
Mingo's commitment is a major recruiting win for UNC head coach Hubert Davis, who has secured top talent in four consecutive classes. The Tar Heels have produced several NBA draft picks in recent years, including current star Caleb Wilson, which helped convince Mingo to choose UNC over joining his brother at Penn State.
The details
Mingo, who was named MVP of the NBA Top 100 Camp last summer after averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, announced his decision live on ESPN's 'First Take' on Tuesday morning. He cited the 'true culture' at UNC and the opportunity to play alongside current Tar Heels like Wilson as key factors in his decision.
- Mingo announced his commitment on February 18, 2026.
- Mingo's brother, Kayden, is currently a freshman at Penn State.
The players
Dylan Mingo
A consensus five-star basketball recruit and the No. 9 overall prospect in the class of 2026, starring at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York.
Hubert Davis
The head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who has secured top talent in four consecutive recruiting classes.
Caleb Wilson
A current star player for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who was averaging a team-best 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game before being sidelined with a hand injury.
Kayden Mingo
Dylan Mingo's brother, who is currently a freshman at Penn State University.
Ian Jackson
A former five-star guard from New York who played one season at the University of North Carolina before transferring to St. John's University.
What they’re saying
“I felt like now was the right time. And what made it the right time for the decision is seeing Caleb Wilson and Seth Trimble wear the North Carolina blue on their chest with so much pride. It shows the true culture they have there.”
— Dylan Mingo
“I chose North Carolina for North Carolina itself.”
— Dylan Mingo
“I feel like from day one my role will be a player who impacts winning in every aspect. Honestly, I am just a person who will give it his all to win a national championship.”
— Dylan Mingo
The takeaway
Mingo's commitment to UNC continues the Tar Heels' recent success in recruiting top high school talent, particularly from the New York area. His decision to spurn his brother's school and other top programs in favor of Chapel Hill shows the enduring appeal of the UNC basketball brand and the opportunity to compete for championships under coach Hubert Davis.
