Jarin Stevenson, a 6’11” forward and Chapel Hill native, is returning home to play for North Carolina after two seasons with Alabama, sources confirmed Sunday night. Stevenson reclassified from 2024 and was UNC’s top 2023 recruit before choosing Alabama.
As a sophomore, he started 22 of 37 games, averaging 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 18.7 minutes. He shot 42.9% overall, 30.7% (31-for-101) from deep, and 66% (37-for-62) at the line. His season totals included 29 assists, 30 turnovers, 21 blocks, 17 steals, and 81 fouls.
Jarin Stevenson Returns to Chapel Hill, Rejoins Tar Heels After 2 Years at Alabama
After two seasons at Alabama, Jarin Stevenson is returning to his roots, committing to North Carolina through the transfer portal. The 6’11 forward from Pittsboro was once a top-25 prospect in the class of 2024 before reclassifying and enrolling early at Alabama, bypassing his senior season at Seaforth High School, where he averaged 21.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks.
Stevenson showed potential in Tuscaloosa, including a standout 19-point effort in Alabama’s Elite Eight win over Clemson, which helped send the Crimson Tide to their first Final Four. Still, over two seasons, his production was modest. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds over two seasons at Alabama.
His field goal percentage ranged from 41.8 to 42.9, and he hit between 30.7% and 31.7% from beyond the arc. Inconsistency has been a common critique and fans voiced their opinions in.
“He’s talented, just needs to gain confidence/develop a motor,” one fan commented.
Another added,
“Hope for the best in his new environment. Remember his game vs Clemson last year… which was his peak.”
A third remarked,
“Should have just came here originally but better late than never.”
During his recruitment, Stevenson was a regular visitor at UNC, drawn by the program’s tradition.
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“Carolina is more I guess the history, and a lot of players that have played there in all,” he told Tar Heel Illustrated. “Whereas a lot of other places are about the newness of the facilities… It’s Carolina.”
In two appearances against the Tar Heels, Stevenson logged 31 minutes, scoring six points—all from deep—and grabbing seven rebounds. He now becomes UNC’s fourth portal addition this offseason, joining Henri Veesaar (Arizona), Jonathan Powell (West Virginia), and Kyan Evans (Colorado State).
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