Marcus Paige’s name already echoes through the halls of Chapel Hill for what he did in a Tar Heel jersey. But now, as an assistant coach under Hubert Davis, he’s building a second legacy - one that could be just as impactful. Since joining the UNC staff in 2023, Paige has quickly become a force on the recruiting trail, and his latest connection might be his most intriguing yet: five-star point guard Nasir Anderson.
Anderson, a 6-foot-4 lefty out of Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is currently ranked No. 7 in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Anderson has emerged as a major target for the Tar Heels, and it’s clear that Paige is playing a central role in that pursuit.
In a recent update, Anderson spoke about his budding relationship with the UNC staff, highlighting Paige in particular. “My relationship with them is good,” Anderson said.
“It’s early still in the recruiting process, and we are trying to build our relationship. Obviously, they are a blue blood and a very historic program, I am building with Coach Paige and the coaches.
They have a good program.”
For UNC, this is more than just another top recruit showing interest - it’s a sign of how Paige is evolving into a trusted mentor and recruiter, especially for young guards. And it’s not just Anderson.
The Tar Heels are also in the mix for several other elite 2027 prospects, including CJ Rosser - the No. 1 player in the country - as well as Obinna Ekezie and Beckham Black. It’s early, and nothing is guaranteed, but UNC is positioning itself well in the early stages of the 2027 cycle.
What makes Anderson stand out among this group isn’t just his ranking or skillset - it’s the potential synergy with Paige. The former UNC star knows a thing or two about running the point in Chapel Hill, and he’s already shown he can develop young talent. Just look at Derek Dixon.
Since Paige joined the staff, Dixon - a four-star in the 2025 class - has taken real strides. After stepping into the starting role vacated by veteran transfer Kyan Evans, Dixon has settled in and thrived. He may not project as a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he’s showing signs of being the kind of steady, long-term floor general that UNC can build around.
Still, in today’s college game, nothing is certain. Players develop quickly, and the lure of the NBA is always there.
That’s where someone like Anderson becomes critical. If Dixon does jump early, having a high-level talent like Anderson already in the pipeline - and already building chemistry with Paige - could be a seamless transition for the Tar Heels.
Paige’s value to the program is becoming clearer by the day. He’s not just a former player back on the bench - he’s a connector, a mentor, and a recruiter who understands what it takes to succeed at North Carolina. And if he continues to build relationships like the one he’s forming with Anderson, the Tar Heels’ backcourt future is in very good hands.