The nation's top high school basketball player is seriously visiting Harvard this weekend

While college basketball recruiting isn't generally a story we'd pay close attention to this time of year, there is one major reason we are talking about it today: The nation's top recruit, a 6-foot-10 forward who will almost certainly play just one year of college basketball is taking a visit to the least likely place.

Harvard.

Yes, Harvard.

It's an improbable story, especially when you consider Carter's other college choices. They're all the same schools you'd expect a five-star, one-and-done prospect to consider: Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and a handful of others.

But if you think this is some kind of lark, or that Carter and his family are simply taking the visit for a PR stunt, think again.

During the summer FOX Sports caught up with Carter and his parents, Wendell Carter Sr. and Kylia, to ask them about the decision. The first question: Is Harvard actually a real contender?

It's no surprise when you learn a little bit about the background of the family.

Wendell Carter Jr. is an only child and has always been pushed hard academically by both his parents. He went to a charter school early in his academic career, and his high school -- Pace Academy in Atlanta -- was chosen for its strong academic profile more so than it's basketball brand.  

Also, unlike so many other top prospects, Carter has interests outside of basketball. He even skipped a weekend of AAU hoops this summer to star in a school play.

Here's how the younger Carter described the experience:

And when he was asked about Harvard in general, here is what Carter said:

We should find out within the next few months whether Carter chooses his own path, as he is expected to make his college decision during signing period this fall.

To read the entire story on the Carter family, and their interest in Harvard, click here.